Pesach 2013WEB

&
2013 PASSOVER DIRECTORY

Passover Medicine & Cosmetics
prepared by Rabbi Gershon Bess
Kollel Los Angeles
Star-K Comprehensive
Information & Product Guide
For updated Passover product and medicine information visit
www.passoverkosher.com or www.star-k.org
For updated Passover medicine information visit www.kehilasyaakov.org
Please note: Te medication list in this guide applies to
products distributed by U.S. companies only.
Tis book contains divrei Torah and should be placed in
shaimos after use.
iii
Copyright: 2013 Star-K Certication, Inc. All rights reserved.
May not be reproduced in any form without permission of Star-K Certication, Inc.
Star-K Kosher Certication
122 Slade Avenue, Suite 300
Baltimore, MD 21208-4996
Tel: 410-484-4110
Fax: 410-653-9294
www.star-k.org
Kollel Los Angeles
223 South Formosa Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Tel: 323-933-7193
Distributed by:
Israel Book Shop
501 Prospect Street
Lakewood, NJ 08701
Tel: 732-901-3009
Fax: 732-901-4012
e-mail: info@israelbookshoppublications.com
ISBN 978-1-60091-239-9
Te Star-K would like to thank the following individuals for their
assistance in this project: Rabbi Dovid Heber, Rabbi Zvi Goldberg,
Rabbi Tzvi Rosen, Rabbi Zvi Holland, Mr. Jonah Ottensoser, Mr.
Eli Reidler, Mr. Fischel Ruben, Ms. Ahuva Brown, Mrs. Yehudis
Barer, Mrs. Rivky Benyowitz, Ms. Renee Gnatt, Mrs. Rivka Leah
Goldman, Mrs. Pesi Herskovitz, Ms. Adina Michelsohn, Ms. Debbie
Rosenstein, Mrs. Leslie Silverberg and Mrs. Margie Pensak.
Kollel of Los Angeles is truly indebted to Mr. and Mrs. Chuna Zev
Gareld of PC Paramedic Inc. (323-449-2181, Leon@Pcpar.org)
for creating and maintaining the computer program for this project.
Without their help, this project would not have been successful.
Kollel
Los
Angeles

Rav Chaim Fasman
Rosh Kollel
(323) 931-9431
Committed to the
development of
teachers, scholars
and educated laymen.
Providing a wide
program of
Torah Studies for
adults and young
adults.
Ofce
223 South Formosa Ave
Institute
7216 Beverly Boulevard
Tel: (323) 933-7193
Fax: (323) 933-7493
E-mail ofce@kollella.com
Adar 5773
Dear Friend,
Once again, in the hope of increasing your Pesach convenience
and limiting its cost, we are making available a copy of this years
Guide to Cosmetics and Medications. Te Guide is the original
research of Rabbi Gershon Bess ", Rav of the Congregation
Kehilas Yaakov, and an alumnus of Kollel Los Angeles. Rights to
reprint all or any parts thereof are reserved.
While several prominent Rabbonim have questioned the need for
this list, Rav Yosef Shalom Eliyashiv ", Rav Shmuel Wosner
", and other gedolei yisroel have urged, both for reasons in
Halacha and Minhag, that the established practice be continued.
(See further Understanding the Halochos and List).
Items Kosher LPesach last year may have been found unacceptable
this year. Use this years Guide for this year only. For any further
questions, you may email Rabbi Bess at rgbess@hotmail.com; or,
to put yourself on the future mailing list, you may fax us at (323)
933-7493.
As a community Kollel, our Kollel Shiurim Program continues to
respond to a generation that seeks to know. Hundreds of adults
presently participate in over twenty diferent shiurim and Torah
study groups.
Tis year the Kollel maintains an all learning component of
thirteen avreichim who are totally and diligently immersed in
the depths of Torah study. Tirty-eight years ago this summer,
this unique entity was established as an exemplary expression of
Community Kollel, lilmod frst and also llamed. While shiurim
and kiruv are important aspects of the institution, they are
peripheral. Te overriding focus is upon shteiging in learnen
(growth in learning) on the part of the avreichim themselves.
Tis is the keren. All other activities are peiros. Tis Kollel is
frst and foremost - a Kollel. We have stood, and continue to
stand ", as a magnifcent example for other American cities
and neighborhoods, which are increasingly seeking to establish
Kollelim.
As a dynamic institution, there is rarely a year, bsd, that we
are not privileged to a signifcant new development. Kollel
Los Angeles does not insist that its avreichim enter avodas
haKodesh. However, of some eighty alumni, all, but fve or
six are fully installed in positions of community leadership,
, , , , and . How encouraging it
is that this past summer three of our avreichim secured coveted
posts: one in a highly respected yeshiva in Brooklyn; one with the
yeshiva in Denver; and one as a Rosh Chaburah in the prominent
Kollel LINK here in Los Angeles. ' !
! ,
We extend to each and every one our best wishes for a Chag
Kosher VSameach.
Kollel Los Angeles
1"Ca
iv 1 Table of Contents
Pesach 5773
Dear Friend,
Tanks to set kosher certication standards, even the kosher novice can
easily identify a variety of acceptable foods in the supermarket, today,
unlike fty years ago! Kosher supervised foods are further classied as
permissible for Passover use, when the letter P is found next to the
kosher logo.
Since medicines and cosmetics have no such formal system of
classication, however, the kosher consumer is left bewildered as to
their status. Tey are composed of several often unfamiliar ingredients,
and many well-intentioned individuals have taken it upon themselves
to refrain from taking prescribed medication during Pesach, simply
because they assume it may contain chometz!
Te information found in this guide is based upon Rabbi Gershon Besss
extensive research, conducted over several decades, with pharmaceutical
manufacturers. In addition to serving as Rav of Congregation Kehilas
Yaakov in Los Angeles, Rabbi Bess is considered a world renowned
expert on Passover medications. Te Star-K Pesach Kitchen and the
Star-K 2013 Pesach Product Directory are included in this guide, as
well as other Pesach information. New to the 2013 directory is Star-
S.P. for Sephardim, which discusses the latest Star-K initiative of
bringing Mehadrin Kashrut standards to the Sephardic community. It
is our hope that you nd this directory useful.
With best wishes for a happy and kosher Pesach,
Rabbi Moshe Heinemann Avrom Pollak
Rabbinic Administrator President
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STAR-K PESACH ARTICLES & INFORMATION
SECTION I Pesach Preparations
Te Star-K Pesach Kitchen 3
Guide to Selling Real Chometz Before Pesach 12
Te Mitzva of Tevilas Keilim 14
Zmanim for Erev Pesach 20
SECTION II Oven Use
Oven Kashrus for Shabbos Use 21
Oven Kashrus for Yom Tov Use 27
Te Sabbath Mode 33
Appliance Pre-Purchase Advice 35
Star - K Certied Appliance Companies 37
SECTION III Pesach Seder
A Guide to the Mitzvos of Seder Night 38
SECTION IV Product Information
STAR-S for Sephardim 50
Quinoa For Pesach 5773/2013 52
Keeping Bugs in Check 54
Kitniyos By Any Other Name 59
Pesach Medication & Cosmetics: Te Halachos & Lists 63
Passover Guide for Diabetics 68
Pet FAQs 76
Product Directory 80
Personal Care Product Information 90
SECTION V Post-Pesach Information
Guide to Purchasing Chometz After Pesach 93
Stores Where Chometz May Be Purchased After Pesach 95

STAR-K KOSHER CERTI FI CATI ON
122 Slade Avenue Suite 300 Baltimore, Maryland 21208 Tel: 410-484-4110 Fax: 410-653-9294 www.star-k.org
A NON-PROFIT AGENCY REPRESENTING THE KOSHER CONSUMER IN PROMOTING KASHRUS THROUGH EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND SUPERVISION
MEDICINE & COSMETICS GUIDE
How To Use Te Guide 97
Codes For Companies
99
2 3 The Star-K Pesach Kitchen
TABLE OF CONTENTS
As the Yom Tov of Pesach nears, and the diligent balabusta begins to tackle the
challenge of preparing the kitchen for Pesach, undoubtedly the light at the end
of the tunnel is beginning to shine. Although moving into a separate Pesach
home sounds very inviting, such luxuries are often not aordable and denitely
not in the Pesach spirit. Among the basic mitzvos of the chag is the Mitzva of
Tashbisu Seor Mibateichem, ridding ones home and possessions of chometz.
However, if we are to use kitchen equipment, utensils, or articles that are used
in our kitchen year-round, it may be insu cient to just clean them thoroughly.
One is forbidden to use these items unless they have been especially prepared
for Pesach. Tis preparation process is known as kashering.
We are instructed by the Torah that the proper kashering method one uses
to rid a vessel of chometz is dependent upon the original food preparation
method used through which chometz is absorbed into the vessel. Kashering
methods can be broadly grouped into four categories:
Libbun Incinerating
Hagola Purging
Eruy Roschim Purging through a hot water pour
Milui Veruy Soaking
When possible, it is preferable, for a person who is knowledgeable in the
laws of kashering be in attendance during this kashering process.
LIBBUN
Libbun is divided into two categories:
Libbun Gamur: Heating Metal To A Glow
Libbun Kal: Heating Metal So Tat Paper Will Burn On Te
Other Side Of Te Heated Utensil
Metal utensils used in the oven for baking, must be heated to a glow if they
are to be used during Pesach.
Te stove must also be kashered if it is to be used during Pesach. Tis
includes the oven, cooktop, and broiler. No part of the stove can be considered
kashered for Pesach unless it is completely clean and free from any baked-on
food or grease.
Te Oven
In a conventional oven, whether gas or electric, an oven cleaner may be
necessary to remove baked-on grease. Be sure to check hidden areas, including
corners, door edges, the area behind the ame burners, and the grooves of the
rack shelves. If a caustic type of oven cleaner (such as Easy-O) was used to
clean the oven, and some stubborn spots remained after a second application
with similar results, the remaining spots may be disregarded. Once the oven
and racks have been cleaned, they may be kashered by libbun kal. Te
THE STAR-K PESACH KITCHEN
Rabbi Moshe Heinemann, Star-K Rabbinic Administrator
Baby/Childrens Products 101
Blush 101
Creams, Lotions, and Body Powders 103
Denture Care 107
Deodorants/Antiperspirants 107
Eye Cosmetics 108
Facial Care 117
Hand/Foot Care 124
Hair Care 125
Lip Products 129
Makeup (Foundation, etc.) 134
Mouthwash 142
Nail Products 142
Perfume 143
Shaving Lotion 147
Soap/Washes 147
Sun/Tanning Products 151
Toothpaste 152
Medications, Vitamins & Dietary Supplements 152
Chometz Medications, etc. 186
Chometz Cosmetics, Toothpaste, etc. 188
Addendum: Additional Cosmetic Information 191
IMPORTANT CHARTS AND INFORMATION
Pesach Kitchen Preparation Checklist 10
Baltimore Hagolas Keilim 12
Real Chometz Products 13
Tevilas Keilim Guidelines 18
Zmanim for Erev Pesach 20
Star-K Certied Appliance Companies 37
Kitniyos 62
Pet Food List 77
Baltimore Chometz Burning 92
Chometz After Pesach 94
Where to Purchase Chometz After Pesach 95
Table of Contents
4 5 The Star-K Pesach Kitchen Pesach Preparations
requirement of libbun kal is satised by turning the oven to broil or the highest
setting for forty minutes. In a gas oven, the broil setting will allow the ame to
burn continuously. In a conventional electric oven, the highest setting (550F)
kashers the oven. Only libbun kal is required for the oven racks since it is usual
to cook food in a pan and directly on the racks themselves.
In a continuous cleaning oven, one cannot assume that such an oven is
clean because the manufacturer claims it to be continuously clean. A visual
inspection is required. Since caustic or abrasive oven cleaners, e.g. Easy O,
cannot be used without destroying the continuous clean properties of the oven,
a non-abrasive and non-caustic cleaner must be used to clean the oven. Grease
spots will usually disappear if the top layer of grease is cleaned with Fantastik
and a nylon brush. Ten the oven should be turned on to 450F for an hour, so
that the continuous clean mechanism can work. If the spots do not disappear,
the oven should be left on for a few hours to allow the continuous clean
mechanism to deep clean, or else the spots should be removed with oven cleaner
or steel wool. If the spots are dark and crumble when scratched they can be
disregarded. In all of the above cases, the oven should then be kashered by
turning it to the 550F setting for forty minutes.
In a self-cleaning oven, before using the self-clean cycle, one should clean
the inside face of the oven door, as well as the opposing outer rim of the oven
outside the gasket, since these areas are not necessarily cleaned during the cycle.
Easy O manufactures one product that is safe for self-cleaning ovens. One
should ensure the gasket itself is clean on the area outside the oven seal. (Note:
Te gasket is sensitive to abrasion.) Te self-cleaning cycle will then clean
and kasher the oven simultaneously. Caution: Tere is a potential risk of re
during the self-cleaning process, especially if there is a great build up of grease
on the bottom of the oven. It is recommended to apply Easy O that is made
especially for self-clean ovens to lift and remove the grease. Te oven should
not be left unattended while in the self-cleaning mode. Due to reports of res,
one should not leave other operating heating appliances i.e. dryers, toasters,
coee makers, toaster ovens, microwave ovens, or dishwashers unattended. In
fact, toasters and toaster ovens should be unplugged (by pulling on the plug
and not the cord) when not in use.
Most oven manufacturers instruct the consumer to remove the oven racks
before self cleaning, so they will not discolor. However, one may self clean the
oven with the racks inside, even though they might discolor. After the self-clean
cycle one should use a little oil on the side of the racks to easily slide them in
and out of the oven. Also, there are some manufacturers that require removal
of the racks before the self clean cycle can start. In this case, one should take
the racks out, clean them very well, and then put them in the oven at the highest
temperature (usually 550F) for 45 minutes. Tis procedure kashers them.
Some ovens come with a convection feature. Tis feature allows for more
uniform heat distribution by using a fan to circulate the heat. If the convection
oven has the self-cleaning feature, it will be su cient to kasher the fan as well.
If there is no self-cleaning feature, the entire oven including the fan, while it is
circulating must be sprayed with a caustic cleaner and cleaned well. Te oven
should then be kashered by turning it on to the 550F setting for forty minutes.
Te Cooktop
On a conventional gas range, the cast iron or metal grates upon which the
pots rest on top of the range, may be inserted into the oven after they have been
thoroughly cleaned. Te grates can then be kashered simultaneously with the
oven. (If kashering with a self-clean cycle, the grates do not need to be cleaned
rst. However, it is advisable to check with the manufacturer as to whether the
grates would be able to withstand a self-clean cycle.) Note: Te self-cleaning
cycle may remove the paint nish if the grate is not manufactured to withstand
the self-clean cycle. Te rest of the range (not glass top) should be cleaned and
covered with a double layer of heavy duty aluminum foil, which should remain
on the range throughout Pesach. Please note: Extreme caution should be
taken not to cover over the vent, as well, so as to allow the oven heat to escape.
Te drip pans should be thoroughly cleaned and need not be kashered. Te
burners do not need kashering or covering, but should be cleaned.
In a conventional electric cooktop, one needs to clean the burners well and
then turn them on to a high heat setting until they are glowing hot. (Tis
usually takes only several minutes.) Te drip pans should be thoroughly
cleaned and need not be kashered. Te remaining cooktop areas should be
cleaned and covered. Te knobs with which the gas or electricity is turned on
should be cleaned. No other process is necessary to kasher the knobs.
Please note: All ovens ventilate hot steam during cooking. In the past, the
hot steam was ventilated through the back of the oven. Today, many ranges no
longer ventilate in this manner. Te oven steam is ventilated through one of
the rear cooktop burners. During oven cooking, if the rear vented burner is
turned o and covered by a pot or kettle, the hot steam will condense on the
burner and utensils. Tis could create hot zea (condensate) that can cause
serious kashrus problems with the utensil, if the food cooked in the oven is a
meat product and the pot on the burner is dairy or pareve or vice versa. Care
should be exercised with the vented burner to keep it clear during oven cooking.
Caution: When putting aluminum foil over the oven backsplash, be careful not
to trap the heat coming from the oven vent between the foil and the backsplash.
Doing so may melt the backsplash if the oven vents through the back.
Kashering a glass-ceramic cooktop for Pesach use is a bit complex. To kasher
the burner area, one should clean it well and turn on the elements until they
glow. Te burner area is now considered kosher for Pesach. However, the
remaining area that does not get hot is not kashered. Te manufacturers do not
suggest covering this area as one would a porcelain or stainless steel top, as it
may cause the glass to break. Real kosherization can be accomplished by
holding a blowtorch over the glass until it is hot enough to singe a piece of
newspaper upon contact with the glass. However, this may cause the glass to
shatter and is not recommended.
As the area between the burners cannot practically be kashered, it would be
wise to place a trivet on the open glass area so the pots can be transferred.
Furthermore, in order to use a large pot that extends beyond the designated
cooking area, one should place a metal disc approximately
1
/8 of an inch thick
onto the burner area in order to raise the Passover pots above the rest of the
glass surface. (Caution: Tis disc should not extend beyond the designated
cooking area.) Tis will also help in case a small pot boils over, sending a trickle
of hot liquid that would serve as a connector from the Passover pot to the non-
Passover stovetop. (Note: Cooking e ciency may be compromised when using
a metal disc.)
For gas stovetops with a glass surface, one may kasher the grates by putting
them into the oven with a libbun kal (550F for forty minutes). In most such
models, the grates cover the entire top of the stove and there should be no
problem adjusting pots on the stovetop. Food which falls through the grates
and touches the glass surface should not be used.
For those models where the grates do not cover the entire cooktop surface,
it would be wise to place a trivet onto the open glass area so that pots may be
transferred. No food or pots may come into direct contact with the non-kashered
glass surface.
Some gas cooktops have an electric warming area on the glasstop. In order
to kasher the glasstop, this area would have to become red hot when turned on.
Many of these warming areas do not get hot enough for kashering and may not be
used on Pesach.
Te Broiler
The broiler pan cannot be kashered by just merely on the gas or electricity.
Since food is broiled or roasted directly on the pan, it must be heated to a glow
in order to be used during Pesach. Tis can be done by using a blowtorch
(which should be done only by qualied and experienced individuals). An
alternate method is to replace the broiler pan. Te empty broiler cavity must
then be kashered by cleaning and setting it to broil for forty minutes. If one
does not intend to use the broiler, one may still use the oven even without
kashering the broiler provided that the broiler has been thoroughly cleaned.
Other inserts, such as griddles, which come into direct contact with food
are treated the same as broiler pans. Terefore, they would also require
application of direct heat until the surface glows red. If not, the insert should
be cleaned and not used during Pesach.
Barbeque Grills A grill cannot be kashered by just turning on the gas or
electricity. Since food is roasted directly on the grill, it must be heated to a glow
in order to be used. Tis can be done either by using a blowtorch (which should
only be done by qualied and experienced individuals) or by sandwiching the
grates between the charcoal briquettes and setting them on re. An alternate
, ,
1
. . .

,
.
method is to replace the grates of the grill. Te part of the grill cavity which is
level with the grate must also be kashered by heating it to a glow. Tis is due to
the likelihood of food having touched that area during barbequeing. Te empty
gas grill cavity must be kashered by cleaning, closing the hood and setting it to
the highest setting for forty minutes. In the case of a regular grill, the cavity
should be lled with charcoal briquettes which should be set on re.
Other inserts such as griddles, which come into direct contact with food,
are treated the same as a grill. Terefore, they would also require application of
direct heat until the surface glows red. If not, the insert should be cleaned and
not used during Pesach. If the grill has side burners, they should be treated like
cooktop grates, assuming no food has been placed directly on them.
Practical Tip: It is easier to determine that the metal has been brought to
a glow in a darkened room.
Warming Drawers Warming drawers cannot be kashered because the
heat setting does not become high enough to constitute libbun. Te warming
drawer should be cleaned, sealed, and not used during Pesach.
Oven Hoods and Exhaust Fans Hoods and exhaust fan lters should be
cleaned and free of any food residue.
Microwaves When microwaves are used, they do not necessarily absorb
chometz. Te microwave should be tested to see if the walls become hot during
use. To do this, one should cook an open potato in the microwave until it has
been steaming for a few minutes. Immediately after the potato has been
cooked,one should place a hand on the ceiling of the microwave to see if it has
become too hot to touch. If one cannot hold a hand there for fteen seconds,
we assume that the microwave has absorbed chometz. If this is the case, the
microwave should be cleaned and sealed for Pesach. If it has not absorbed
chometz (i.e., one can hold a hand there for fteen seconds), the microwave
itself needs only to be cleaned well. It is recommended to wait twenty-four
hours before using the microwave for Pesach. Te turn table should be replaced
because it has come into contact with hot food and would not pass the hand
test. One may replace the turn table with a Styrofoam board.
Microwave ovens that have a convection or browning feature must be
kashered using the convection and/or browning mode. Te kashering method
used would be libbun kal. Te convection microwave should rst be cleaned
well. If the fan area cannot be properly cleaned, it should be sprayed with a
caustic cleaner, e.g. Easy O, with the fan on and rinsed o before kashering.
One should then test the convection microwave to see if it reaches the required
heat for libbun kal by putting it on its highest setting for forty minutes. A piece
of paper should then be held against the interior wall to see if it gets singed.
1
If
the paper is singed, the convection microwave has been heated su ciently for
libbun kal and can be considered kashered. Many models fail the test, because
their settings do not allow the microwave to become hot enough for kashering.
If this is the case, the microwave should be cleaned, sealed, and not used during
Pesach.
HAGOLAH (Note: Follow these steps carefully)
Metal utensils i.e. stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, etc., that have been used for
cooking, serving or eating hot chometz may be kashered. Tis may be done by cleaning
the utensils thoroughly and waiting 24 hours before immersing them, one by one,
into a kosher for Pesach pot of heated water. The water should be heated
and a rolling boil should be maintained when the vessel is immersed.
Te metal utensil or vessel should be submerged into the boiling water for
about fteen seconds. Te utensils undergoing the kashering process may not
touch each other. In other words, if a set of atware is being kashered for Pesach,
one cannot take all the knives, forks and spoons and put them into the boiling
water together. Tey should be placed into the boiling water separately. A
special kashering tip involves loosely tying the pieces of silverware to a string,
leaving three inches between each piece, and immersing the string of silverware
slowly, making sure the water keeps boiling. Te process is nalized by rinsing
the kashered items in cold water. If tongs are used to grip the utensil, the utensil
will have to be immersed a second time with the tongs in a dierent position so
that the boiling water will touch the initially gripped area. Unlike tevilas keilim,
the entire utensil does not have to be immersed in the boiling water at once; it
may be done in parts.
A non-kosher for Pesach pot may also be used for the purpose of kashering.
It is the custom to make the pot kosher for Pesach before using it for kashering.
Tis can be accomplished by cleaning the pot both inside and out, and leaving
it dormant for 24 hours. Te pot should then be completely lled with water,
and brought to a rolling boil. Using a pair of tongs, one should throw a hot
stone or brick into a pot that has been heated on another burner. Te hot rock
will cause the water to bubble more furiously and run over the top ridge of the
pot on all sides at one time. (One should use caution, as the hot water may
spray in all directions.) Te kashering process is nalized by rinsing the pot in
cold water. Te pot may now be relled, brought to a boil and used to kasher
the chometz utensils.
Extra Bonus: After the Pesach kashering process has taken place, the status
of these newly kashered utensils may be changed from milchig to eishig, vice
versa or pareve.
ERUY ROSCHIM
Sinks are generally made from either stainless steel, granite composite,
china, porcelain enamel, steel, or Corian.
Stainless steel sinks can be kashered using the following method. Clean the
sink thoroughly. Hot water should not be used or poured in the sink for 24
hours prior to kashering. It is recommended that the hot shut-o valve under
the sink be turned o 24 hours before kashering. Dry the sink before kashering.
Kashering is accomplished by pouring boiling hot water from a Pesach kettle/
pot over every part of the stainless steel sink. Tip: If a roasting pan is lled and
heated, the pouring surface is much wider than a kettle spout. It is not su cient
to pour water on one spot and let it run down the sink. Te poured water must
touch every part of the sink, including the drain and the spout of the water
faucet. It is likely that the kashering kettle will need to be relled a few times
before kashering can be completed. After kashering, the sink should be rinsed
with cold water. If hot water was used in the sink accidentally during the 24
hour dormant period, and there is not enough time before Pesach to leave the
sink dormant for an additional 24 hours, a shaila should be asked.
China sinks cannot be kashered at all. Tese sinks should be cleaned, not
used for 24 hours, and completely lined with contact paper or foil. Te dishes
that are to be washed should not be placed directly into the sink. Tey must be
washed in a Pesach dish pan which sits on a Pesach rack. It is necessary to have
separate dish pans and racks for milchig and eishig dishes.
Porcelain, Corian or granite composite sinks should also be considered
similar to a china sink, since there is a controversy as to whether these materials
can be kashered. Granite composite is a material fashioned from granite and
plastic. Most sinks that look like granite are actually granite composite.
Countertops Silestone, Porcelain Enamel, Corian, and Plastic/Formica
and Granite Composite countertops cannot be kashered. Tey should be cleaned
and covered. To place hot food and utensils on these countertops, cardboard or
thick pads must be used to cover the counter. Corian is also a form of plastic
that cannot be kashered. However, since the chometz penetrates only a thin layer
of the counter, it can be sanded down to take o a layer of Corian (the thickness
of a piece of paper). It then is considered kosher for Pesach. However, only a
qualied contractor should attempt this procedure. Pure Granite (not granite
composite), Marble, Stainless Steel, or Metal may be kashered through eruy
roschim. Wood may also be kashered through eruy roschim if it has a smooth
surface.
MELUI VERUY
In pre-war Europe, where glass was expensive and hard to obtain, it was
customary to kasher drinking glasses by immersing them in cold water for three
periods of 24 hours. Tis is accomplished by submerging the glasses for one 24
hour period. Te water should then be emptied, relled and allowed to sit for
another 24 hours. Tis procedure should be repeated a third time, for a total
of 72 hours. Tis method of submerging cannot be used for Pyrex or glass that
was used directly on the re or in the oven. In general, kashering glasses is
recommended only in cases of di culty. Wherever glasses are readily available
for purchase, special glasses for Pesach are preferable. Arcoroc and Corelle
should be treated as glass for kashering purposes.
Its important to note that where libbun kal helps, certainly libbun gamur is
good; where hagola helps, surely libbun kal is good; where eruy helps, certainly
hagola and libbun help.
Te following is a checklist reviewing items commonly found in the kitchen and how to
prepare them for use during Pesach. Also included is a list of items that cannot be kashered.
UTENSIL PREPARATION
Baby Bottle
Since it comes into contact with chometz (e.g. washed with dishes,
boiled in chometz pot), new ones should be purchased.
Baby High Chair Toroughly clean. Preferable to cover the tray with contact paper.
Blech Libbun gamur. Preferably be replaced
Blender/Food
Processor/Smoothie
Machine
New or Pesachdik receptacle required (plus any part of unit that makes
direct contact with food). Toroughly clean appliance. Te blade
should be treated like any knife, and should be kashered through hagola.
Can Opener Manual or Electric Clean thoroughly.
Candlesticks/Tray
Clean thoroughly. Should not be put under hot water in a kosher for
Pesach sink.
Coeemakers
Metal coeemakers that have brewed only unavored pure coee.
Clean thoroughly. Replace with new or Pesachdik glass carafe and new
lters. Metal coeemakers that have brewed avored coee should be
cleaned thoroughly. Do not use for 24 hours. Pour one cup of water
into chamber. Water should be heated in unit and allowed to drip over
the exposed metal base. Replace with new plastic lter holder, and use
new lters and a new or Pesachdik glass carafe. Plastic coeemakers
should not be kashered. Keurig Coeee Machines cannot be kashered.
Colanders Metal Libbun kal. Plastic Do not use.
Dentures, Bite Plates,
Braces
Clean thoroughly after one has nishing eating chometz.
Dishwashers Cannot be kashered.
Electric Burner Drip
Pans
Clean thoroughly.
Grater Metal Libbun kal. Plastic Do not use.
Instant Hot Devices See Water Filters.
Metal Wine Goblets Hagola
Metal Wine Trays Hagola
Mixer Do not use, even with new blades and bowls.
Pump Pot
If in contact with chometz (e.g. sponge) do not use, otherwise does not
need kashering.
Refrigerator, Freezer
Toroughly clean. Lining shelves is not necessary. Ice trays should be
put away with chometz dishes.
Rings, (Finger) Eruy roschim
Rings, Napkin Hagola
Tables
A table upon which chometz is eaten during the year may be used on
Pesach if it is covered with a waterproof covering (e.g. sheet of plastic).
It is preferable to put either cardboard or a few layers of paper on the
table under the plastic covering. Tablepads may be overturned and
used.
UTENSIL PREPARATION
Towels, Tablecloths,
etc.
Tose used during the year with chometz may be used during Pesach if
they have been laundered with soap and hot water, even if the stains do
not come out. Te same applies to potholders, bibs, and aprons.
Synthetic material, such as Rayon and Terylene, that can only
withstand a warm water cycle, may be used on Pesach after they have
gone through a washing with detergent, and only if there are no visible
stains after they have been cleaned. Transparent tablecloths may be
coated with a powder and should be rinsed o before use. Regarding
other tablecloths, see Pesach Product Directory.
Vases
Tose used on the table during the year may be used on Pesach if they
are washed, both inside and out.
Washing cup
(used in kitchen)
Metal Hagola
Plastic Put away with chometz dishes.
Water Pitchers Should be put away with chometz dishes.
Water Filters
Plastic water lters that are connected to the faucet should be
thoroughly cleaned, including the outside and the coupling, and may
be used on Pesach without changing the lters. If they are metal and
have been on consistently since the previous Pesach, they should be left
on during kashering of the spigot. If they were rst attached some time
after Pesach, they should be removed before kashering the spigot and
should be kashered separately. Instant hot devices and individual hot/
cold water lters that are connected to the sink with a separate spigot
should be kashered along with the sink. Instant hot devices should be
turned on during kashering of instant hot spigot.
Water Coolers
Cold water coolers should be cleaned thoroughly. Te hot spigot on a
water cooler should not be used if it came into contact with chometz
during the year.
Water Urn
Metal (uncoated) Hagola; both inside and outside should be
kashered. Porcelain Enameled or Plastic Do not use.
KITCHEN ITEMS THAT CANNOT BE KASHERED
Bread Machine Knives w/ Plastic Handles Sandwich Maker
China Melmac Silverstone
Corningware Mixer Stoneware
Crockpot Pasta Maker Synthetic Rubber
Dishwasher Plastic Utensils Teon
George Foreman Grill Plastic Vegetable Steamer Toaster/Toaster Oven
Immersion Blenders Porcelain (Enamel) Utensils Wa e Iron
Keurig Coee Machine Pyrex
KITCHEN PREPARATION CHECKLIST KITCHEN PREPARATION CHECK LIST
12 13 Guide to Selling "Real" Chometz Before Pesach Pesach Preparations
Although o'', any chometz may be sold before Pesach, there are pious
individuals who do not sell real" chometz, but rather give it away, burn it, or eat it
before Pesach. How does one dene real" chometz? A food for which there is an issur
of uD``1u1 uur` 'a1 u` 'a (there is a Torah prohibition of ownership on
Pesach) is real chometz. Tis includes all items that are 1r> \r, real chometz (bread,
cake, pretzels, pasta, etc.).
However, \r Da1vD where the 1v`a a1`, (obligation to burn) is only :a1r
(Rabbinic), or at least according to some opinions only :a1r, is not 1r> \r. In
addition, \r poC, medications and non-edible items, and products processed on
chometz equipment are not considered to be 1r> \r. Tese products are sold before
Pesach even by individuals who are stringent not to sell 1r> \r. Many individuals
who do not sell 1r> \r will sell alcoholic beverages before Pesach. Each family
should follow their custom.
Te following chart oers guidelines as to which products are considered real"
chometz. Yes next to a product indicates the product is real" chometz. Pious individuals
customarily do not sell these products before Pesach. Rather, they either consume it,
burn it, or give it away as a gift to a gentile before Pesach. No indicates the product is
not real" chometz. Even pious individuals will generally sell such products to a gentile
before Pesach. (Where indicated, some products may even remain in ones possession
during Pesach, and a sale is not required.)
GUIDE TO SELLING REAL CHOMETZ BEFORE PESACH
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Agudas Yisroel of Baltimore
6200 Park Heights Avenue
9:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
Ten items or less
10:30 a.m. Noon
Regular Hagolas Keilim
HAGOLAS KEILIM
For a more detailed discussion of this topic see
Purchasing Chometz After Pesach and Dening Real Chometz
at www.star-k.org
PRODUCT
REAL CHOMETZ?
Barley (if pearled, raw and packaged) No
Beer Follow family custom
1
Bread/Cake and Cookies Yes
Cake mixes (dry) No
Cereal with primary ingredient of wheat, oats or barley Yes
Chometz content is more than a kzayis. The chometz can be eaten in a time span of
kdai Achilas pras
2
(e.g. box of Froot Loops cereal)
Yes
Chometz content is more than a kzayis. The chometz can not be eaten bkdai Achilas
pras
2
(e.g. box of Cap N Crunch cereal)
No
Chometz content in entire package is less than a kzayis but is greater than
1
/60 of the
product (e.g. Corn Flakes cereal)
No
Chometz content is less than
1
/60 of the product Not chometz
4
Chometz Nokshe (e.g. chometz glue) No
Condiments containing vinegar (e.g. ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, pickles) No
Cooked on chometz equipment (not during Pesach) but contains no chometz in the product Not chometz
3
Cosmetics Not chometz
3
Cream of Wheat Yes
Detergents Not chometz
3
Extracts No
Farfel Mix Yes
Flour (including whole wheat our) No
Food Coloring No
Ketchup No
Kitniyos Not chometz
3
Licorice Yes
Malt avoring (in product) No
Maltodextrin/ Maltose (in product) No
Mayonnaise No
Medicine containing chometz No
Modied food starch (from unknown sources) No
Mustard No
Pasta Yes
Pickles No
Pretzels Yes
Products non-edible even for canine consumption (nifsal mayachilas kelev) Not chometz
3
Rolled Oats Yes
Vanillin and Ethyl vanillin No
Vinegar (from unknown sources) No
Vitamin tablets containing chometz No
Wheat germ No
Wheat gluten /Wheat protein (unknown amount in product) Yes
Whiskey Follow family custom
1
Yeast (Bakers) Not chometz
3

1
Some individuals sell this chometz, others do not. One should follow his family custom.
2
Kdai Achilas pras is the amount of time it takes to eat the volume of buttered bread equaling 3-4 eggs (approximately 2-4 minutes). For example, if one
eats a bowl of Froot Loops cereal, he will eat a kzayis of chometz within 2-4 minutes. However, if one eats Cap N Crunch cereal, he will not eat a kzayis
of chometz fast enough since the amount of chometz in Cap N Crunch cereal is relatively minimal.
3
These products are not chometz. One may even retain possession on Pesach. Sale is not necessary ( ).The product may not be eaten on Pesach.
4
These products are not chometz. One may even retain possession on Pesach. Sale is not necessary ( ).
REAL CHOMETZ BEFORE PESACH CHART
14 15 The Mitzvah of Tevilas Keilim Pesach Preparations
In His innite wisdom, Hashem Yisborach has spiritually elevated the mundane activity
of eating and has vested it with special sanctity, kedusha. Te food we eat must be
kosher, the table upon which we eat our meals represents the holy altar, the mizbeach.
Similarly, the vessels and utensils (keilim) used for preparing food and for dining must
be given special holiness. When these dishes and/or utensils have been previously
owned by an aino Yehudi, we have to immerse these keilim, utensils, in a mikvah before
their rst use.
WHAT REQUIRES TEVILA?
Keilim (vessels/utensils) can be categorized into three halachic groupings:
Utensils requiring tevila (immersion) with a brocha
Utensils requiring tevila without a brocha
Utensils not requiring tevila at all
Utensils requiring tevila with a brocha
Utensils require tevila with a brocha when they come into direct contact with food
during preparation or meal time, and are made from metal such as aluminum, brass,
copper, gold, iron, lead, silver, silverplated, steel and tin or glass such as Pyrex, Duralex,
and Corelle. (Corelle, a form of glass, should not be confused with Corningware, a form
of earthenware, which will be discussed later in this article.)
Utensils not requiring tevila at all
Utensils that do not require tevila, even if they come into direct contact with food
during preparation or mealtime, if they are made from bone, non-glazed earthenware
(ower pot dull nish), paper, plastic, stone, styrofoam, or wood. Other items that do
not require tevila include:
1. Utensils made from metal or glass whose intended purpose is not for food
usage, e.g. an arts and crafts knife. Even if the knife was to be occasionally
used for food preparation, tevila would not be required.
2. Metal or glass utensils that do not come into direct contact with the food, e.g.
the metal shell of a removable crockpot, can opener, or cork screw.
3. Utensils which are made by a Jewish craftsman (observant or non-observant)
who owns his company or business, and are sold directly to a Jewish customer.
4. Empty metal cans that previously held food, e.g canned vegetables, can be
used to cook food therein without tevila. One does not have to immerse the
can, because the Yehudi who opened the can to remove the original contents
has now created a new utensil.
5. Non-metallic storage utensils that are not brought to the table, e.g. glass
spaghetti/pasta containers or ceramic cookie jars.
6. Glass jars that were sold containing food (mayonnaise jars or juice bottles).
When emptied, the glass jar does not require tevila before reusing, due to
THE MITZVA OF TEVILAS KEILIM
Rabbi Moshe Heinemann, Star-K Rabbinic Administrator
the fact that it is secondary to its contents. If a deposit is required on the
bottle, the glass has individuality in its own right and would require tevila
before reuse. In the event that the jar or bottle is fancy and important in its
own right, tevila would be required. A competent halachic authority should
determine whether or not a brocha is required prior to tevila. One should not
assume that Jewish merchants immerse the jars or fancy trays that they use to
package loose or bulk food items.
7. Utensils used exclusively with raw, non-edible food, e.g. cookie cutters or a
metal tenderizer hammer, do not need tevila.
Utensils requiring tevila without a brocha
Utensils require tevila without a brocha when the dishes or vessels are made from
glazed china, bone china, Stoneware, Corningware, or porcelain enamel. Other vessels
requiring tevila without a brocha include:
1. Utensils made from a combination of materials, e.g. metal pots coated with
Teon or enamel.
2. Utensils used for raw ingredients, but could also be used for edible food (e.g.
the beater used in a mixer)
3. Metal utensils used for food storage that remain in the kitchen or pantry and
are not brought to the table, e.g. metal our or sugar canisters.
4. Disposable aluminum pans and containers used for cooking and baking
require tevila with a brocha if they are to be used more than once. If they
are to be discarded after one use, a competent rabbinic authority should be
consulted.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR TEVILAS KEILIM
Te vessel/utensil to be immersed must be completely clean and free of dirt, dust,
rust, stickers, or glue. If the utensil was immersed with a label, a rabbinic authority
should be consulted. (Practical Tip: WD-40 is very eective in removing adhesive).
Te immersion must be done in a Mikva, which is kosher for tevilas noshim (a
Mikva that is kosher for men only does not qualify). One may also use the ocean and
rivers. However, rivers that rise due to rain or melting snow can be used for tevila only
after settling back to their normal water level.
In case of great need, it is permitted to tovel glass and china in snow if there is
at least 240 cubic feet of snow joined together in any area. For example, four inches
of snow in a eld with an area of 27 x 27 would be large enough to tovel the keilim.
Te snow must ll the inside and cover the outside of the keili, and the vessel must be
connected to the required amount of snow.
Anyone may tovel keilim, including a small child or gentile. Te tevila must be
performed in the presence of a Jewish adult to verify that it took place. Te recitation of
a brocha can be said only if an adult Jew does the immersion. Terefore, if many utensils
are to be immersed with the help of a child or an aino Yehudi, the Jewish adult should
rst immerse a few vessels with a brocha and then the child or non-Jew can take over.
Prior to the immersion of metal or glass utensils, one wets his or her hand in the
mikva water, holds the vessel in the wet hand and says, Baruch...al tevilas keilim, and
immerses the vessel. Te water of the mikva must touch the entire vessel, both inside
and out. Te entire vessel must be under the water at one time. Te top of the cover of
the vessel can be toveled separately if it is removable. If only one vessel is immersed, the
above procedure is followed and the brocha, Al Tevilas Keili is recited.
Under no circumstances can a utensil be toveled in parts, nor can two keilim touch
each other during the immersion. Utensils made of separate pieces that are assembled
as a single unit, e.g. a meat grinder or thermos bottle, may be toveled in the manner used,
and not be toveled piece by piece. When toveling an assembled appliance, it is imperative
that the water touch all areas that the food will touch during use, both inside and out.
A rabbinic authority should be consulted if it is impossible to tovel a utensil
because the utensil is too large to immerse in a mikvah, if there is no available mikvah,
if the vessel will be ruined when placed in a mikvah; or if immersion may present a
hazard. A possible suggestion would be to disassemble the vessel and have a Jew
reassemble the vessel. Reassembly would not apply to the parts of a meat grinder
that are regularly assembled and disassembled during ordinary use. Reassembly would
apply to utensils that are not ordinarily dismantled. Another suggestion would be to
give the utensil in question to a non-Jew as an outright gift and borrow it back from
the non-Jew. However, this procedure only helps for one day, such as for Shabbos. A
vessel which contains internal computerization that will be ruined through tevila, i.e.
a Keurig machine, should not be toveled. Essentially, each specic question should be
evaluated by a Rav so that an appropriate halachic ruling can be made.
A pocket knife used for food should be toveled in its open position so that the
water will touch all areas of the blade. A narrow necked bottle should be toveled with
its neck facing upwards so that the inner surface of the bottle will ll completely with
mikva water. It is important to emphasize that if a utensil requires tevila, it may not be
used even once before it is toveled. If a utensil was used numerous times without tevila,
one is still required to immerse it before its next use.
Even if all the workers that manufactured the utensils are Jewish, the utensil
requires tevila if the company is owned by a non-Jew. Tis Halacha applies to companies
whose entire ownership is completely held by non-Jews, or if non-Jewish owners hold
partial ownership. Similarly, a company that has non-Jewish voting stockholders would
also qualify for non-Jewish ownership. Unless one has information to the contrary, one
should assume that all companies outside Eretz Yisroel have some public non-Jewish
ownership.
If a utensil which was once owned by a Jew and was toveled fell into disrepair, and
the utensil is no longer functional, e.g. a hole or crack on the bottom of a pot, and an
aino-Yehudi repairman welds a new patch onto the broken area, the newly repaired
vessel would require tevila once again. Tis is due to the fact that the now functional
vessel is considered to be brand new. A Rav should be consulted to determine whether
or not a brocha should be said over a repaired vessel.
If one bought a used vessel which needs to be kashered, e.g. from an aino Yehudi,
the vessel must be kashered before it is toveled. If the order was switched, the keili
should be toveled again without a brocha.
Utensils require tevila if they were given by a Jew to a Yehudi as a gift or if they
were bought from a aino Yehudi. Tis requirement would apply even if the Jew owned
the utensil originally, sold it to the non-Jew, and subsequently bought it back. It is for
this reason that one does not sell chometz keilim to a non-Jew before Pesach. If someone
converts to Judaism, their utensils require tevila even if they were only used for kosher
food, since the utensils were transferred from the possession of an aino Yehudi to the
possession of a Yehudi.
If one borrows or rents utentils from an aino Yehudi or from a Jewish/non-
Jewish partnership, tevila would not be required. If utensils are purchased from the
partnership, or if the Jew buys out the non-Jewish partner and now has total ownership
of the utensils, tevila with a brocha is required.
Tevilas keilim may be performed day or night, except on Shabbos or Yom Tov. In
case of great necessity, where one needs to use an untoveled keili on Shabbos or Yom Tov,
the utensil should be given to a non-Jew as a present and the Yehudi should borrow it
back. After Shabbos, if the Yehudi re-purchased the utensil from the non-Jew it must be
toveled with a brocha. If the Yehudi continues to use the keili without paying for it, the
keili will require tevila without a brocha. If one is in doubt as to whether a keili requires
tevila, a Rav must be consulted. If one is in doubt whether a vessel that requires tevila
was toveled, it should be toveled without a brocha.
If a keili that requires tevila was mixed together with utensils that have already
been immersed, and the untoveled utensil is unidentiable, all of the vessels should be
re-toveled. If this poses a di culty or expense, a Rav should be consulted.
If one is invited to eat at a friends house, and it is known that his/her utensils
have not been toveled, since the guest is aware that a problem exists a Rav should be
consulted. However, it is not proper or necessary to investigate if the host complies with
the laws of tevilas keilim since we assume G-d fearing Jews comply with the Halacha. If
a non-toveled utensil was used by mistake to prepare food, the food is still considered
to be kosher and must be eaten on properly toveled dishes.
In conclusion, it is obviously di cult to address all of the issues and questions
that may arise regarding tevilas keilim in this brief article. When in doubt concerning
a particular facet of this mitzva, always consult with a competent Rabbinic authority.
Let us hope that fulllment of this mitzva will add an enhanced kosher avor to the
sanctity of our homes.
INSTRUCTIONS
Utensil to be immersed must be completely clean and free of dirt, dust, rust,
stickers, labels or glue. (Practical Tip: WD-40 is very eective in removing
adhesive.)
One wets his hands in the mikva water, holds the vessel in the wet hand and
says, Baruch...Asher Kidshanu B'Mitzvosav V'Tzivanu Al Tevilas Keili (Keilim
for multiple utensils) and immerses the vessel(s).
If one forgot to recite the brocha, the immersion is valid.
Te water of the Mikva must touch the entire vessel, both inside and out.
Te entire vessel must be under water at one time, but it does not have to be
submerged for any prolonged period of time.
If a vessel will be ruined if placed in a mikva, a rabbinic authority should be
consulted.
After toveling an electric appliance that requires tevila, the appliance must be
thoroughly dried out for at least 48 hours before use.
If a basket or net is used to hold small utensils, the basket should be immersed
in the water, the utensils placed in the basket, and the basket swirled under the
water so that the water will touch all areas of the utensils.
Te cover can be immersed separately if it is removable.
A pocket knife should be immersed in its open position so that the water will
touch all areas of the blade.
Termos bottle liners do not need to be removed before immersion.
A narrow necked bottle should be immersed with the neck facing upwards, so
that the inner surface of the bottle will ll completely with mikva water.
Care must be taken that no air is trapped in the submerged vessels.
Anyone may tovel keilim, including a small child or non-Jew; however, a Jewish
adult must be present to verify that the tevila took place. A brocha may be recited
only if a Jew performs the immersion. Terefore, if many utensils are to be
immersed with the help of a child or non-Jew, the owner should rst immerse a
few vessels with a brocha and then let the child or non-Jew take over.

TEVILAS KEILIM GUIDELINES
Utensils require tevila with a brocha when they come into direct contact with food
during preparation or mealtime, and are made from metal such as aluminium,
brass, copper, gold, iron lead, silver, silverplated, and tin or glass including Pyrex,
Duralex, and Corelle.

Aluminum Pans, Disposable
to be used more than once
Tevila with Brocha
Aluminum Pans, Disposable
to be used only once
Tevila w/o Brocha
Blech
No Tevila
Blender - Handheld
Immersion Wand
with metal blade on bottom
Tevila with Brocha
Bone
No Tevila
Brush, Pastry
No Tevila
Brush for Grill, Metal
No Tevila
Can Opener
No Tevila
Cans, Reusable Empty
if opened by a Yehudi
No Tevila
China, Bone
Tevila w/o Brocha
China, Glazed
Tevila w/o Brocha
Colander, Metal
Tevila with Brocha
Cookie Cutters, Metal
No Tevila
Cork Screw
No Tevila
Corningware
Tevila w/o Brocha
Crockpot, Ceramic Insert
Tevila w/o Brocha
Crockpot, Glass Lid
Tevila w/o Brocha
Crockpot, Outside Metal
Shell
No Tevila
Dish Rack, Metal
No Tevila
Dishes, Ceramic
Tevila w/o Brocha
Earthenware, Non-Glazed
Dull Finish, e.g. Flower Pot
No Tevila
George Foreman Grill
Tevila w/o Brocha
Glass
(including Pyrex, Duralex & Corelle)
Tevila with Brocha
Hamburger Maker
Tevila with Brocha
Hot Air Popcorn Maker,
Metal
Tevila with Brocha
Hot Water Urn, Metal
Tevila with Brocha
Knife, Arts & Crafts
No Tevila
Knife Sharpener
No Tevila
Meat Thermometer
No Tevila
Meat Tenderizer
Hammer, Metal
No Tevila
Metal Cutlery
Tevila with Brocha
Metal Flour & Sugar
Storage Canisters
Tevila w/o Brocha
Metal Pots Coated with
Teon, Enamel or Plastic
Tevila w/o Brocha
Metal Spoon Specically
for Medicine
Tevila w/o Brocha
Microwave Turntable,
Glass
Tevila w/o Brocha
Mixer Beaters
Tevila w/o Brocha
Paper
No Tevila
Peeler, Vegetable
Tevila with Brocha
Plastic
No Tevila
Porcelain Enamel
Tevila w/o Brocha
Racks, Cooling
Tevila w/o Brocha
Racks, Oven No Tevila
Rolling Pins
Metal or Wood
No Tevila
Sandwich Maker
Tevila w/o Brocha
Sink Racks, Stainless
Steel
No Tevila
Spatula, Metal
Tevila with Brocha
Stoneware
Tevila w/o Brocha
Stoneware, Non-Glazed
No Tevila
Storage Utensils, Glass
not brought to the table
No Tevila
Styrofoam
No Tevila
Tea Kettle, Corelle
Tevila with Brocha
Thermos glass insert
Tevila with Brocha
Thermos plastic insert
No Tevila
Toaster Tevila w/o Brocha
Toaster Oven
rack & tray only
Tevila with Brocha
Wafe Iron
Tevila with Brocha
Warming Tray
No Tevila
Wood
No Tevila
Wooden Cask with
Metal Straps
Tevila w/o Brocha
FOOD UTENSIL
TEVILA
GUIDELINE
FOOD UTENSIL
TEVILA
GUIDELINE
NOTE: See page 18 for tevila guidelines regarding the following metals: Aluminum,
Brass, Copper, Gold, Iron, Lead, Silver, Silver Plated, Steel, Tin.
TEVILAS KEILIM GUIDELINES cont.
20 21 Oven Kashrus for Shabbos Use Pesach Preparations
Te following chart indicates the latest times for eating and burning of chometz, and the time for
lighting candles on Erev Pesach, Monday, March 25, 2013.
All times listed are local Daylight Savings Time (except Phoenix, AZ).
CITY EATING BURNING
CANDLE
LIGHTING
Atlanta, GA 11:04 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 7:34 p.m.
Baltimore, MD 10:37 a.m. 11:49 a.m. 7:05 p.m.
Boston, MA 10:12 a.m. 11:23 a.m. 6:44 p.m.
Brooklyn, NY 10:23 a.m. 11:35 a.m. 6:55 p.m.
Buffalo, NY 10:43 a.m. 11:55 a.m. 7:16 p.m.
Chicago, IL 10:18 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 6:50 p.m.
Cincinnati, OH 11:05 a.m. 12:16 p.m. 7:36 p.m.
Cleveland, OH 10:54 a.m. 12:06 p.m. 7:26 p.m.
Columbus, OH 10:59 a.m. 12:10 p.m. 7:31 p.m.
Dallas, TX 10:54 a.m. 12:04 p.m. 7:24 p.m.
Denver, CO 10:27 a.m. 11:39 a.m. 6:59 p.m.
Detroit, MI 11:01 a.m. 12:12 p.m. 7:33 p.m.
Far Rockaway/Five Towns, NY 10:23 a.m. 11:34 a.m. 6:54 p.m.
Hartford, CT 10:18 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 6:50 p.m.
Houston, TX 10:49 a.m. 11:59 a.m. 7:18 p.m.
Indianapolis, IN 11:12 a.m. 12:23 p.m. 7:43 p.m.
Lakewood, NJ 10:24 a.m. 11:36 a.m. 6:56 p.m.
Las Vegas, NV 10:07 a.m. 11:18 a.m. 6:38 p.m.
Los Angeles, CA 10:20 a.m. 11:31 a.m. 6:51 p.m.
Memphis, TN 10:26 a.m. 11:37 a.m. 6:57 p.m.
Miami, FL 10:47 a.m. 11:57 a.m. 7:16 p.m.
Milwaukee, WI 10:20 a.m. 11:31 a.m. 6:52 p.m.
Minneapolis, MN 10:41 a.m. 11:53 a.m. 7:14 p.m.
Monsey, NY 10:24 a.m. 11:35 a.m. 6:56 p.m.
Monticello, NY 10:26 a.m. 11:38 a.m. 6:58 p.m.
New York, NY 10:23 a.m. 11:35 a.m. 6:55 p.m.
Norfolk, VA 10:32 a.m. 11:43 a.m. 7:03 p.m.
Passaic, NJ 10:24 a.m. 11:35 a.m. 6:56 p.m.
Philadelphia, PA 10:28 a.m. 11:39 a.m. 6:59 p.m.
Phoenix, AZ (Mountain Standard Time) 9:55 a.m. 11:06 a.m. 6:25 p.m.
Pittsburgh, PA 10:47 a.m. 11:59 a.m. 7:19 p.m.
Portland, OR 10:37 a.m. 11:49 a.m. 7:10 p.m.
Providence, RI 10:13 a.m. 11:25 a.m. 6:45 p.m.
Queens, NY 10:23 a.m. 11:34 a.m. 6:54 p.m.
Richmond, VA 10:37 a.m. 11:48 a.m. 7:08 p.m.
St. Louis, MO 10:28 a.m. 11:39 a.m. 6:59 p.m.
San Diego, CA 10:15 a.m. 11:26 a.m. 6:45 p.m.
San Francisco, CA 10:37 a.m. 11:48 a.m. 7:08 p.m.
Seattle, WA 10:38 a.m. 11:50 a.m. 7:11 p.m.
Washington, DC 10:35 a.m. 11:47 a.m. 7:07 p.m.
ZMANIM FOR EREV PESACH OVEN KASHRUS FOR SHABBOS USE
Rabbi Avrohom Mushell, Star-K Kashrus Administrator
Cookin just aint what it used to be. Technological advances have taken the old stove
top and oven and upgraded them to be safer, more e cient, and smart for todays
lifestyle. Tey are also far more complicated. With these transformations, the observant
Jew is faced with challenges that did not confront him in the past. To understand how
these changes aect the halachic use of the range on Shabbos and Yom Tov, it is
worthwhile to review some laws and concepts as they relate to cooking on Shabbos and
Yom Tov.
DEFINITION OF MELACHA
Cooking on Shabbos is a Torah prohibition derived from the constructive acts
performed in erecting the mishkan. Tis forbidden act is known as a melacha. Tere are
39 categories of acts that are prohibited.
MELACHA OF COOKING
Te prohibition of cooking on Shabbos is dened as the act of using heat to make a
substance edible or to change its current state. In order for food to be considered hot,
the food must reach a temperature of yad soledes bo (120F), hot enough to cause one
to withdraw his hand due to the heat. If the food will not reach a temperature of yad
soledes bo, there is no concern of cooking. Lighting a ame on Shabbos is also prohibited
as it is written, Do not burn res in your homes on the Shabbos day.
1
Te Torah
prohibition of creating a re on Shabbos also includes adding to an existing ame. Tis
is referred to as mosif havara. Furthermore, one may not carry out an action that will
cause the ame to ignite if it is the end result of his action. Te term for this is gram
havara.
AINO MECHAVEN
Tere is a general rule regarding actions prohibited by the Torah that states that
when one performs an action, and his intent is not for the prohibited reaction that
results, it is permitted. Tis is called aino mechaven, which literally means that there
was no intent to perform the activity. (For example, dragging a bench on the ground on
Shabbos to bring it to another location is permitted, even though it may make a groove
in the ground [plowing].) However, if his unintended consequence must result in the
prohibited activity being done, it is as if one had initially intended to perform the
prohibited action, and the action is prohibited (i.e. dragging a heavy bench on soft earth
where it will surely make a groove in the ground). Tis is called a psik reisha.
Nevertheless, on Shabbos when the resulting consequence is neither wanted nor
intended, it is classied as a psik reisha dlo nicha leih, which is permitted by Torah law
but prohibited by rabbinic law.
2
GRAMA
Te halachic interpretation of a melacha is the action that one performs which causes
a direct result. For example, when one strikes a match he directly causes a re to ignite.
When the resulting prohibited action is an indirect result of ones action, it is called a
22 23 Oven Kashrus For Shabbos Use Oven Use
grama. For example, setting a mouse trap is a grama for the melacha of tzod (hunting).
A grama of a melacha is permitted by Torah law but is rabbinically prohibited.
Where there are a combination of factors that individually may have been
restricted by rabbinic law, there may be room for leniency when combined with one
another. Terefore, where a grama will cause a melacha to be done that is unintended
and unwanted on Shabbos (lo nicha leih), the action may be done. Tis is the basis for
allowing one to open a refrigerator door on Shabbos. In that case, a thermostat will
sense the change in temperature and cause the compressor motor to run; this is
considered a grama. Te running of the motor gives o sparks of re which are not
wanted or intended; thus, the melacha taking place is lo nicha leih. Opening the
refrigerator results in a grama to an unintended and unwanted melacha. In the same
vein, one may open an oven door on Shabbos to remove all of the food that is inside. Te
resulting grama (the melacha of havara) is unwanted and unintended.
RABBINIC ORDINANCES REGARDING FOOD PREPARATION
Many rabbinic laws were initiated to prevent someone from transgressing the Torahs
prohibitions. Tey are intended to distance us from what is prohibited and to prevent
us from performing actions which could be misconstrued as a prohibited melacha.
SHEHIYA - Among these rabbinic laws is Shehiya. One is
prohibited to leave the food on or in the place where it will be cooking,
even if it was placed there before Shabbos. Tere is concern that leaving
food that is not ready to be eaten on the cooking surface or in an oven
may lead him to add to the heat on Shabbos. Te rabbis are concerned
that he may adjust the heat to enhance the food.
In the past, when cooking was done directly over burning logs, there
was a concern that someone might stir the embers, this would generate
heat. By stirring the embers, one transgresses two Torah prohibitions:
burning a re on the Shabbos day and cooking (if the food is not yet
cooked). To prevent any wrongdoing, the rabbis decreed that unless the
food is edible before Shabbos,
3
one may not leave it on or in the oven once
Shabbos begins, unless the embers are removed or covered to prevent
someone from stirring them.
4
In lieu of covering the coals, we have the
custom of placing a blech
5
over the ames before Shabbos. It should be
noted that the main function of the blech is to ensure that one does not
adjust the re. Terefore, he should cover the temperature controls of a
modern oven or cooktop, as well as the ame, with a blech.
CHAZARA - Another rabbinic prohibition is Chazara, returning
cooked food to the heat source on Shabbos. Even if the food is still hot
and fully cooked, one may not return it to an oven or a covered stove
unless it was removed with the intention of being replaced and was not
out of his hand from the time it was removed until it was replaced on the
heat. Tis certainly would prohibit taking a cold pre-cooked food and
placing it on a blech on Shabbos. Tis rabbinic decree was instituted
because by placing the food on the heat it appears as if he is beginning to
cook. It is important to note that reheating cooked foods that are liquid
or contain liquid may be a transgression of the Torahs prohibition against
cooking on Shabbos. Solids that have been fully cooked before Shabbos
may be reheated (i.e. kugel or roast) on Shabbos. However, due to the
prohibition of Chazara, reheating food must be done in a way that
cannot be confused with cooking. Terefore, one may place a kugel or
challah on top of a pot of food that is on the blech but not on top of the
blech itself.
OVENS AND WARMING DRAWERS:
Now that we have discussed some of the basic principles of food on Shabbos, let us
examine what happens when we use an oven or warming drawer.
As previously mentioned, aside from the prohibition of cooking on Shabbos there
is a prohibition of initiating a re or causing increased burning. In the case of
thermostatically controlled ovens and warming drawers, opening the oven or warming
drawer will cause an increase in burning to compensate for the heat that was lost by
opening the door or drawer. Te resulting eect is a grama of havara, which is not
permissible on Shabbos. However, as discussed earlier, where one does not want or
intend for an action to take place and has no need for its result, the initial action is
prohibited only by rabbinic law. When coupled with the fact that the ensuing melacha is
a reaction that was brought about indirectly, but was initiated through a grama, there is
room for leniency and the initial action is permitted. Terefore, food left in the oven or
warming drawer from before Shabbos may be removed on Shabbos despite the fact that
this action will eventually cause the oven to burn. Tis is because removing the food
results in additional burning that is not wanted or intended. However, this can be said
only when all of the food is removed at one time. If some food remains in the oven to
be heated, the additional burning caused by opening the door is viewed as intentional
and, therefore, prohibited. Most warming drawers and ovens are thermostatically
controlled and would fall into the above category.
If a warming drawer is not controlled by a thermostat, one must check with the
manufacturer to be sure that opening the drawer will not turn o the heating element.
If there are multiple temperature settings, the controls must be covered as discussed
earlier regarding stovetop controls. Even when the warming drawer is not controlled by
a thermostat, and opening the drawer will not aect the ow of power to the heating
element, one may not place food into the warming drawer on Shabbos if its operating
temperature is higher than yad soledes, 120
o
F. Tis is prohibited under the laws of
Chazara.
INDUCTION COOKTOPS
An induction cooktop heats ferrous metals using strong magnetic elds. By
placing or removing an iron vessel on the induction cooktop, you will initiate or stop
the process of heating the metal. Terefore, they cannot be used on Shabbos or Yom Tov.
24 25 Oven Kashrus For Shabbos Use Oven Use
SABBATH MODE OVENS
Due to halachic complications that technological innovations have placed upon the
Jewish consumer, the Star-K has been working with some manufacturers to design
ovens that are more user friendly. Some of the common problems found in new ovens
are 12-hour safety cut o; lights, icons and temperature displays that may be turned
on by opening the oven door; and timed bake features that must be manually turned o
to silence the bell. In certied models, many of these features are disabled.
In addition, some Sabbath mode features such as temperature adjustment are
quite practical and allow for easier use of the ovens on Yom Tov. Te restrictions of
cooking and burning are lifted under prescribed conditions. However, the Sabbath
mode features do not in any way circumvent the regular restrictions involved in food
preparations on Shabbos Kodesh. Te laws of Bishul, Havara, Shehiya and Chazara must
still be observed even when using a Sabbath mode oven.
Please note that these are limited to the oven and do not apply to the use of the
stovetop. [Footnotes found at the end]
COMMON QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Now that we have reviewed the basic rules, let us look at some frequently asked
questions about oven and stove top use on Shabbos. Te responses have been provided
by Rabbi Moshe Heinemann, shlita , Star-K Rabbinic Administrator.
Q. I have a smoothtop electric stove. Te manufacturer says that this should
not be covered or it will crack. Can I leave my food on the smooth cooktop on
Shabbos without a blech?
A. It is customary to cover the heat source, as was done in the past when one cooked
directly on the embers. Te concern at that time was to prevent stirring the embers to
add heat. As noted in our introduction, today the primary concern is that one should
not try to raise the heat so that the food will cook faster. When one cannot place a blech
on the stove top, it is su cient to cover the controls and leave the cooked food on the
stovetop.
Q. May I adjust the temperature of an oven that has a Sabbath mode feature
on Shabbos?
A. No! Te temperature adjustment feature in the Sabbath mode oven is for Yom Tov
use only. (Tis issue is addressed in the Kashrus Kurrents article titled, Oven Kashrus:
For Yom Tov Use. ) On Shabbos, one may not adjust the temperature as this causes the
re to burn or be extinguished. Te Sabbath mode does not allow you to put food up
to cook or reheat on Shabbos.
Q. May I leave cooked food in an oven that is on if it was placed in the oven
before Shabbos?
A. Yes. However, because of Shehiya the controls for the oven should be covered or
taped. It is customary to cook all food before Shabbos to the point that it is edible for
the average individual.
Q. May I take out some food from the oven and leave the rest to remove later?
A. No. When one opens the oven door, he is letting cool air into the cabinet. Te
thermostat will sense the loss of heat and make up for it through additional burning;
when he opens the oven door, he indirectly causes additional burning. Tis is a gram
havara which, in its own right, is rabbinically prohibited. However, normally he does
not want the burner to go back on if the oven is empty. Even though opening the oven
door will cause the re to burn longer, he does not want this to happen. On the contrary,
it is a needless waste of gas or electricity. Tis is considered a psik reisha dlo nicha leih.
Although we do not allow a psik reisha dlo nicha leih on a Torah prohibition, this action
occurs indirectly as a grama and is only a rabbinic prohibition.
6
Terefore, when there
are a combination of factors (a grama on a psik reisha dlo nicha leih) it is permitted. If
one leaves food in the oven after the door has been opened, he obviously wants the oven
to go back on. Tis is prohibited as a psik reisha dnicha leih, as if one intended to cause
the re to burn longer. If he accidentally opens the oven door, all of the food must be
removed and the oven door cannot be opened again during Shabbos. If the oven door
was accidentally opened and closed and no food was removed, the food is still permitted
to be eaten provided that it was completely cooked before Shabbos.
Q. My oven and warming drawer have a delayed start timer feature. May I set
it to go on Shabbos morning and place the food to be heated there on Shabbos
before the pre-determined time?
A. No. Te food should not be placed in the oven to be heated on Shabbos. However,
if the fully cooked food was in the oven from before Shabbos, one can set the oven to go
on with a timer during Shabbos.
Q. May I open my oven to take out food on Shabbos?
A. First, one must be sure that opening the oven door does not automatically cause
a light, icon or electrical switch or ame to go on. In the case of convection ovens,
opening the door may cause the circulating fan to go o. Even though these actions are
not intended, they are prohibited as if there was intent since this is an automatic
consequence. If opening the oven door does not automatically set o an electrical
reaction, then one may do so in order to remove food on Shabbos provided that all of
the food is removed at that time. Note: Often the door will have a plunger switch which
turns on lights or icons as a door is opened. If this plunger switch is disabled, it may
prevent any prohibited reactions from taking place. Some Star-K Sabbath mode ovens
have a feature to disable icons, lights or signals so that the oven door may be opened on
Shabbos and Yom Tov.
26 27 Oven Kashrus For Yom Tov Use Oven Use
Q. May I use a warming drawer on Shabbos?
A. As discussed earlier, one may not put food into a warming drawer on Shabbos.
Most warming drawers are regulated by a thermostat. When you open the drawer to
put the food inside, you are going to cause the burner to go on and compensate for the
heat loss that you created. By keeping food in the drawer, you are showing that you
want this extra heat to be generated. Tis is prohibited on Shabbos.
7
If the food was placed in the drawer before Shabbos, a warming drawer must be
emptied the rst time it is opened. A warming drawer with adjustable temperature
settings which include temperatures over yad soledes (120F) is similar to an oven,
and its controls must be covered. If the warming drawers settings are all below yad
soledes there is no gezeirah, rabbinic prohibition, regarding raising the setting.
Terefore, the controls do not have to be covered; however, one may not change the
setting on Shabbos.
1. Shemos 35:3.
2. Psik resha dlo nicha leh asur lrov harishonim.
3. See Biur Halacha 253:1 Venohagu.
4. Garuf vkatum.
5. Yiddish for metal sheets.
6. Also, it is a melacha sheaino tzricha legufo.
7. Psik reisha on the burning.
OVEN KASHRUS FOR YOM TOV USE
Rabbi Avrohom Mushell, Star-K Kashrus Administrator
1
Shemos 20:9, Dvarim 5:13.
2
Vayikra 23:7
3
We consider it to be night after tzeis hakochavim.
4
For a full discusion regarding Eruv Tavshilin, see www.star-k.org.
Yom Tov celebrations could never be complete without the traditional piping
hot delicacies from past generations. However, the kosher homemaker must be well
educated to know how to prepare Yom Tov meals without fear of transgressing a Torah
or rabbinic prohibition.
When stating the prohibition of work on Shabbos the Torah writes, Do not do any
melacha (work prohibited on Shabbos).
1
Tis prohibition applies to melacha performed
for food preparation, as well as for other non-food purposes. In stating the prohibition
of melacha on Yom Tov the Torah writes, You shall not do laborious work.
2
In addition,
when giving the initial command about the Yom Tov of Pesach the Torah writes, No
work may be done on them (rst

and seventh day of Pesach) except for what must be
eaten for any person, only that may be done for you (Shmos 22:16). Te Ramban
explains that the contrast of terms (work versus laborious work) used for Shabbos and
Yom Tov indicates the dierence between melacha in general and meleches hanaah.
Meleches hanaah is work done for food and similar necessary pleasures. Where the
Torah commands us about the laws of Pesach, the term meleches avodah is not used in
the prohibition. However, the Torah immediately includes the clause allowing melacha
for food preparation.
Tis being said, please note that not every melacha may be performed for the
purpose of food preparation. Only those melachos which could not have been done
before Yom Tov with the same result may be done on Yom Tov. Terefore, one may
not originate a ame on Yom Tov since one could have left a re burning from before
Yom Tov. Te prohibition of starting a new ame is referred to as molid, giving birth
to a new entity.
Melachos which are commonly done for bulk processing of food, i.e. harvesting
and grinding, are prohibited on Yom Tov. Melachos associated with the processing of
bread, from the kneading of the dough and onward, are permitted on Yom Tov; those
processes which are done before kneading, i.e. sifting and grinding, are prohibited. Te
focus of this article deals primarily with melachos associated with cooking on Yom Tov
i.e. cooking, burning of a ame, and extinguishing a ame.
It is important to note that melachos permitted for food preparation or other Yom
Tov necessities may be done only if the intent is to derive benet from this action on
Yom Tov. One may not cook food on Yom Tov for use after Yom Tov. In fact, one may
not cook food on the rst day of Yom Tov for consumption on the second day of Yom
Tov. Tis is because the second day is a holiday only by rabbinic law. Terefore, one
must be sure not to do any melacha for the second day until the rst day has passed and
the next night has begun.
3
When Yom Tov falls on a Friday, one may cook for Shabbos only if he had already
prepared some of the Shabbos food before Yom Tov. Tis food which is set aside is
called Eruv Tavshilin.
4
An

Eruv Tavshilin

is required in preparation for a Shabbos that
5
Please note that this may nullify a warranty.
follows either the rst or last days of Yom Tov. With this knowledge in mind, lets take
a look at how these rules apply when we set the knobs of our ovens and cooktops for
Yom Tov.
ELECTRIC COOKTOP
Turning on an electric stovetop to warm food will initiate the ow of electricity to
the burner. Tis ia called molid. Halachic authorities have determined that electricity
used as heat or light is considered re. Terefore, by turning on the burner one is creating
a new re. Tis action could just as well have been done before Yom Tov and is prohibited
because of molid. Turning the dial on your electric stovetop may also initiate a light or
icon on a control panel which would otherwise be turned o. Tis may be a transgression
of the melacha of kosev, writing, as well as molid. Even when the electric burner is left on
from before Yom Tov, if one wishes to adjust the temperature of the burner there is further
reason for concern. Tis is because he does not know if the electric current is running
to the element at the time he makes the adjustment. Even when there is an indicator
light showing that a burner is turned on, this may not be an indication that electricity is
owing to the burner at that particular moment. Rather, it is indicating that the element
is set to maintain the desired temperture adjustment which it will maintain by turning
on and o at pre-determined intervals. As a result, when one alters the temperature
upwards on Yom Tov, he may be initiating the ow of electricity at a time that it was
otherwise not owing. As mentioned earlier, this would be prohibited due to molid.
To circumvent this prohibition, an electrician can install an indicator light which
is attached to the actual ow of electricity to the burner.
5
Tis will indicate when there
is current owing to the burner. When there is electricity owing, one may raise the
temperature in order to enhance cooking.
Lowering the heat setting on an electric stovetop on Yom Tov is also not without its
halachic ramications. We know that extinguishing a burning log is the melacha of kibui.
Lowering the heat setting of a stove on Yom Tov may also be associated with the melacha
of kibui. Terefore, this can be done only when it is for the benet of the food so that it
will remain warm but not burn. One may not turn the burner o completely. However,
if there is an indicator light showing when power is owing to the burner, one must be
careful to lower the burner only when the indicator light is o.
Note: Most stovetops that come with Sabbath Mode ovens have not been
engineered to allow for the adjustment of the stovetop temperature. Te stovetop
must be treated similar to a conventional oven, as described above. (See specic model
listings for some exceptions.) Induction cooktops use electricity to create a magnetic
eld that will heat ferrous metal. Tese units react to one placing or removing a pot on
the cooking surface and cannot be used on Shabbos or Yom Tov.
GAS COOKTOP
Not so long ago, the standard gas cooktop had a pilot light which was a constantly
burning ame from which the burner drew its re. If one has such a cooktop, he may
turn on his stovetop during Yom Tov without concern that he is initiating a ame. Due
to safety concerns, the old pilot ames for the most part have been phased out. Instead,
cooktops have been tted with electronic igniters which spark at the base of the burner
to ignite the ame. Tis is prohibited on Yom Tov. One may turn on a burner only if
he can do so without causing the electric igniters to go on. If it is possible to turn on
the gas ow without starting the electric igniter, the burner may be started by holding
a pre-existing ame (from a candle or a match lit from another burner) to the burner
when turning on the gas. Te easiest option would be to leave the burner on from
before Yom Tov. It goes without saying that one may increase an existing ame on Yom
Tov when it is necessary for food preparation.
As is the case with an electric stovetop, one can lower the ame on a gas burner
when this is done only for the benet of the food. An example of this is keeping the
food warm while preventing it from burning. However, one may not turn o the ame
completely.
ELECTRIC OVENS
As with cooktops, one is prohibited from directly initiating a re or heat to an
electric coil because of the prohibition of molid. If the oven was left on from before
Yom Tov, the temperature setting may be raised as necessary for cooking if he is sure
that electricity is owing to the element at that time. Also, one may not cause a light
or icon to go on during Yom Tov. If there is an indicator light that goes o and on,
indicating when power is owing to the heating element, then the temperature may be
raised when the light is on.
Generally speaking, lowering the temperature can be done only if it is necessary
for the Yom Tovs food and when a light or icon will not be turned o. If there is an
indicator light cycling when power ows to the oven, one may lower the oven when
power is not owing (indicator light is o), even if it is not needed for the food.
Some Sabbath Mode ovens are designed to work on a delay. Tis feature permits
raising the temperature on Yom Tov at any time, regardless of when power is owing to
the oven. Tis is because when one adjusts the dial or keypad, it is not directly causing
the temperature to change. Terefore, this action is considered a grama, an indirect
action, which will cause the temperature to be raised. Even in these ovens, it is better
to lower the temperature only when necessary for food preparation or enjoyment of the
Yom Tov. (Other features of Sabbath Mode ovens are discussed further in this article.)
GAS OVENS
Older ovens used to be ignited with a pilot light. Tis is a small ame from which
the oven drew its re when turned on. In halachic terms, this allowed the user to turn
on the oven during Yom Tov without a question of transgressing the prohibition of
molid. As with the gas cooktops, new ovens are equipped with electric igniters most
commonly known as a glow plug. When turning on the oven, the power to the glow
plug is initiated. When the glow plug is hot enough, the gas will begin to ow and start
the ame. When the oven chamber reaches the temperature set by the thermostat,
it turns o the ow of gas and electricity. As the chamber loses heat, the oven will
restart the glow plug which in turn restarts the gas to bring the chamber back to the
required temperature. Since one may not directly initiate the ow of electricity to the
glow plug during Yom Tov, he must turn on the oven before Yom Tov. When raising
the temperature of the oven during Yom Tov, he must be sure that he is not initiating
6
Check our website at www.star-k.org or contact our o ce, 410-484-4110, to determine if your model has
the random delay.
electric current to the glow plug. Terefore, if he sees it glowing (it gives a bright orange
light which can be seen through the side vents on the oor of the oven) or if the ame
is on, he may raise the temperature. As discussed earlier with regard to stovetops, one
may lower the oven setting only when needed to benet the food. It is important to
note that some ovens will display a digital readout of the temperature when it is raised
or lowered. Tis would pose a halachic question of writing and erasing, both of which
are prohibited acts on Yom Tov.
SABBATH MODE OVENS (the following applies to Yom Tov only)
Sabbath Mode ovens are designed to bypass many of the practical and halachic
problems posed by the modern oven. For Sabbath Mode ovens with the delay feature,
one may raise or lower the temperature of the oven without concern for the heating
element or glow plug. Tis is because the computer does not directly react to the
change in settings. Tis means that turning on the heating element or glow plug is
an indirect result of his action (grama). Terefore, since a grama is permitted on Yom
Tov, one may actually adjust the temperature on Yom Tov. For Sabbath Mode ovens
without the delay feature, the temperature may be raised only when power is owing
to the oven and lowered when power is not owing to the oven, as indicated by the
readout on the display.
6
Another issue is that some ovens can be programmed to turn o at a preset time.
Tis feature is known as timed bake. In many models, when the time has elapsed and
the oven shuts o it will either sound a bell or buzzer, or it will display a readout (such
as the word End) to indicate that the oven is o. On some models, this buzzer or
display will continue until it is manually turned o or until the door is opened. Tese
are actions which are not permitted on Yom Tov. On those Sabbath Mode models that
include the timed bake feature, the buzzer or readout is eliminated. (Please note that
once the buzzer goes o, the oven cannot be used again for that Yom Tov.)
As a safety feature, new ovens are designed to shut o after being on for 12 hours.
Although this safety feature is very important, it creates a problem when preparing
food for the daytime meal which is more than 12 hours after the onset of Yom Tov. For
all types of Sabbath Mode ovens, the 12 hour cuto is bypassed.
In Sabbath Mode ovens, the door plunger switch is disabled so that it will not
directly cause any electronic reaction. On some of these ovens, the cavity light will
remain either on or o, depending upon how the Sabbath Mode was entered. On
others, the light must be turned on at the control panel or the bulb must be unscrewed
before entering the Sabbath Mode.
It is important to note that not all Sabbath Mode models oer the same features.
If you have a Star-K certied Sabbath Mode oven, please check our website at
www.star-k.org to see which features are available on your particular model, or contact
our o ce at 410-484-4110.
7
7
Please be aware that some companies advertise their ovens as having a Sabbath mode when, in actuality, the
only feature that the oven has is the override to the 12 hour cuto. If it does encompass more than this,
check to make sure that there is a competent halachic authority behind the Sabbath mode to endorse it.
COMMON QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Te following are some commonly asked questions about oven and stovetop use on
Yom Tov:
Q. Why is one allowed to push a button on the keypad of a Sabbath Mode oven
on Yom Tov?
A. Pushing a button on an oven during Yom Tov, which starts a process internal to the
computer without any heat, light, sound, movement or anything tangible that can be
perceived, is not considered a melacha and is permitted on Yom Tov. When a melacha
is nally accomplished, namely turning on the heating element in the oven, it is done so
through a grama (an indirect act because there is a random delay of 15 to 25 seconds
before the heating elements can be activated). Tis grama is permitted on Yom Tov but
not on Shabbos.
Q. Can one turn on a Sabbath Mode oven during Yom Tov or Shabbos?
A. Not on Yom Tov, and certainly not on Shabbos. Tis is because it directly causes
the display to change, which is prohibited.
Q. Can I set the timed bake feature on Yom Tov?
A. For those ovens that have the timed bake feature included in the Sabbath Mode,
it can be set only before Yom Tov. Tis will allow for a one-time usage. Once the oven
shuts o, it cannot be used again for that Yom Tov. One may not set the timed bake
feature on Yom Tov (and certainly not on Shabbos).
Q. May one turn o his stove or oven to conserve energy on Yom Tov?
A. No. One is permitted to lower the setting only when it is necessary for the
preparation of the Yom Tov food.
Q. May one lower the setting on a Sabbath Mode oven even when it is not for
the benet of the food?
A. Sabbath Mode ovens that are equipped with a delay feature may be lowered on
Yom Tov. Tis is because the reaction of the oven in lowering the temperature is the
result of a grama (indirect action). Although we permit extinguishing or lowering a
ame only when it is needed for food, this applies when one actually performs the
action. In this case, when the computer will lower the temperature later on as a reaction
to his instructions, it is called gram kibui and is permitted.
Q. Can I open and close a standard oven door at any time on Yom Tov?
A. On Yom Tov, one may open and close the door of an oven in order to process
the food as needed if this does not cause a light or icon to go on as a direct result. On
Shabbos, there is a problem with opening the oven door because it will cause additional
burning in the oven. Tis is prohibited on Shabbos
8
but permitted on Yom Tov.
Q. Must I wait until I see the glow plug glowing before opening the door to my
gas oven on Yom Tov?
A. As a rule, the oven will not immediately go on because of the reduction of heat
32 33 The "Sabbath Mode" Oven Use
8
On Shabbos, while the oven is operating, the door may be opened once to remove all of the food and then
it may be closed. For further information about oven usage on Shabbos, see Oven Kashrus: For Shabbos
Use on our website, www.star-k.org.
created by opening the oven door. Terefore, even though the oven will eventually go on
because its door was opened, this is not a direct result of your action. Tis additional
burning is permitted on Yom Tov.
Regarding raising the temperature of a gas oven on Yom Tov, one may not do so
unless he knows that the glow plug is glowing (and the display will not change). Tis
is because raising the temperature setting will directly cause the glow plug to go on if
it is otherwise o, creating a problem of molid. However, if the oven is certied with a
Sabbath mode that has a built-in random delay feature which was initiated before Yom
Tov, he may adjust the temperature on Yom Tov.
Keeping Your Cool
Oven Kashrus: For Everyday Use
Visit our website, www.star-k.org, for
refrigeration products certied by Star-K.
APPLIANCE ARTICLES AVAILABLE
ON THE STAR-K WEBSITE
For the most up-to-date information regarding alerts,
companies, and specic models of ovens and refrigerators
under Star-K certication, please visit our
website at www.star-k.org.
Appliance manufacturers, with the aid of modern technology, have designed
kitchen appliances to be safer and more e cient while incorporating various features to
enhance operation. However, the integration of this technology may pose a challenge
to their proper use on Shabbos and Yom Tov.
In 1997, a historic technological project was launched between a major appliance
manufacturer and a kosher certication agency. Whirlpool Corporation (manufacturer
of KitchenAid) approached the Star-K to help modify their ovens for use on Shabbos
and Yom Tov. Prior to that time, many of their appliances did not conform to these
halachic guidelines. Following some adjustments, a successful mode was developed.
Whirlpool called this the Sabbath Mode and was awarded a patent in 1998 for this
concept.
Star-K certication on appliances falls into two categories:
Sabbath Mode, includes models that have unique software/hardware designed
into them that specically address our concerns.
Sabbath Compliant, includes models that the manufacturer wanted Star-K
to assess for use by the observant Jew. Te intention was to assist the consumer in
avoiding the purchase of an expensive oven or stove that cannot be used on Shabbos
and Yom Tov.
Details on manufacturers of both categories are listed by company and specic
model number on our website, www.star-k.org.
OVENS
Category One Sabbath Mode
Note: Te Sabbath Mode does not allow us to turn these appliances on or o during
Shabbos. Te Sabbath Mode also does not allow us to use these appliances completely at will
on Shabbos or Yom Tov. Rather, it enables us to use these appliances within the guidelines of
Halacha, as delineated in the letters of certication (available from the Star-K o ce) or as
posted on the Star-K website.
Ovens with the Sabbath Mode will not shut o after 12 hours of continuous
operation. In many cases, this mode will prevent the oven light from going on/o as
the door is opened/closed. In some models, however, the bulb must be unscrewed or
the light left on for the entire period. No lights, digits, solenoids, fans, icons, tones or
displays will be activated/modied in the normal operation of the oven.
For these Sabbath Mode models, the set temperature can be raised or lowered on
Yom Tov - but not on Shabbos - for cooking purposes at any time. Tis is because there is
a built-in delay to the request for temperature change and its actual implementation.
Category Two Sabbath Compliant
Ovens certied as Sabbath Compliant have the same basic features as those with
the Sabbath Mode, except no delay is built into the set temperature change process.
Terefore, the temperature cannot be changed on Yom Tov. On some models,
adjustment of the set temperature may still be possible on Yom Tov. Tese models do
THE SABBATH MODE
Mr. Jonah Ottensoser, Star-K Engineering Consultant
34 35 Appliance Pre-Purchase Advice Oven Use
not have a digital temperature readout. Tey have an indicator light that cycles on/o
as power ows to the heating elements. One can raise the temperature when the light is
on and lower it when it is o. For other Sabbath Compliant models which do not have
a cycling indicator light, the set temperature chosen before Yom Tov cannot be adjusted
on Yom Tov. Te Star-K website has details about specic models.
Timed Bake
Many ovens have a timed bake feature that allows the oven to go o after a xed
period of time. However, after the time runs out many models chime indenitely
or have an icon or light that is cancelled when the door is rst opened. Te Star-K
website lists models that have the timed feature bake feature without these drawbacks
when in Sabbath Mode.
Warming Drawers
Warming drawers should be treated as standard ovens since they present the
same issues. Tey are thermostatically controlled, and their lowest temperature is
often above 115F. As is the case with a standard oven, all food must be placed in the
warming drawer before the start of Shabbos.
Power Failures
For safety reasons, most ovens will not recover from a power failure in the ON
condition. Some exceptions are noted on the Star-Ks website.
REFRIGERATORS
Not to be left out in the cold, refrigerators have also succumbed to the application
of modern technology. In addition, there are old issues which still require resolution.
Tese include when to open the refrigerator door on Shabbos and what to do about
heating elements that turn on to defrost the coils remain to be solved. Te Star-K has
developed a set of criteria through which the latest technological advancements are
employed to alleviate these problems.
Refrigerators certied by the Star-K utilize this same information to address
the issues involved with Shabbos use. After entering the certied mode (called either
Sabbath or Holiday Mode), the consumer does not have to worry about lights, digits,
icons, tones, alarms, solenoids or fans being activated/deactivated when opening or
closing the door. A built-in delay prevents the compressor from turning on immediately
after the door is opened. Te defrost cycle operates solely on clock time without any
feedback from consumer usage of the refrigerator. (Current technology is introducing
control of the defrost cycle by counting the number and length of door openings, which
may present a halachic problem.) Finally, the ice and coldwater systems will be turned
o since they invariably use electrical solenoids and motors to operate. (After a power
failure, units will return to the certied mode.)
Tis article is merely an overview of the application of modern technology to
appliances and how it aects the Orthodox Jewish consumer. For certied models and
guidelines for their proper usage, please check the Star-K website at www.star-k.org.
OVENS/COOKTOPS/WARMING DRAWERS
Cooktop
If glass, may present a problem of kashering for Pesach, or if bought used.
Check with your Rav.
If electric, may be a problem adjusting the temperature on Yom Tov.
If electric ignition, may be a problem with initiating a ame on Yom Tov.
Cooktops (gas or electric) may have a light or light bar that turns on when
the burner is turned on. Some of these light bars also increase or decrease as
the temperature setting is adjusted. Some cooktops may also have simmer
lights that turn on and o as one enters or exits a very low setting.
Avoid electronic controls. After return of power from a power failure, these
units will probably stay o. Avoid induction cooktops. Tey work well, but
are not usable on Shabbos or Yom Tov.
12-hr Cuto
Should have a way to disable or override.
Temperature Adjustment on Yom Tov
If you desire to change the temperature of the oven on Yom Tov, the display
readout should not change and no tones should be activated.
To adjust the temperature, either one must know when power (gas or
electric) cycles to the oven or there must be a built-in delay (grama).
Please note that not all indicator lights indicate when power is cycling to the
oven; rather, they may indicate only that the oven is on.
Opening the Oven Door
Should not activate any tones or icons.
Should not activate or deactivate any heating elements (listen for relays clicking, or
see if power indicator light goes on immediately).
If light in oven cavity is activated by opening the door, there should be
capability of removing the bulb or leaving on the light at the panel switch
for the entire time.
Timed Bake
If timed bake is desired for Friday night or the rst night of Yom Tov, check
to make sure that no icons, tones or displays are cancelled when the door is
opened, and that a buzzer does not need to be manually turned o.
Warming Drawers
Warming drawers have the same issues as ovens (timed cut o, temperature
adjustment on Yom Tov, opening the door, and timed bake) because they
are thermostatically controlled. Many warming drawers cannot be set for
temperatures below 120F (yad soledes). Check with your Rav for proper
use of warming drawers on Shabbos.
Recommendations
Simpler is better.
Gas is recommended over electric.
Avoid slew controls (up/down arrow). Stick to knobs or number pads.
If a company advertises a Sabbath Mode, make sure it includes more
than the 12-hr cuto over ride. Otherwise, see potential problems above.
APPLIANCE PRE-PURCHASE ADVICE
For the most up-to-date information regarding companies with specic models of ovens
and refrigerators under Star-K certication, please visit our website at www.star-k.org.
36 37 Star-K Certied Appliance Companies Oven Use
Also, make sure there is a competent halachic authority behind the
Sabbath Mode to endorse it. To verify that your product has a Star-K
certied Sabbath Mode, nd your model number in the appliance section
of our website at www.star-k.org or call our o ce at 410-484-4110.
Before rst use of a new oven, be sure to wash the racks and interior of the
oven thoroughly with warm water and soap to remove any coating oil.
When remodeling a kitchen with a separate gas cooktop or a dishwasher, it
is advisable to install them with a separate on/o switch. Before Shabbos or
Yom Tov, this switch should be turned off to avoid any problems.
Before purchasing any cooking appliance, it is best to view the actual item in
the store.
Visit our website at www.star-k.org for oven products under Star-K
certication.
REFRIGERATORS
Opening the Refrigerator/Freezer Door
Should not cause circulation fans to go on/o. (Check to see if fan runs
with open door. If it does not, press down door plunger switch and listen to
see if fan goes on. Some models have two door plunger switches - one for
the light and another for the fan motor.)
Should not activate any tones or digital readouts (e.g. door ajar icons,
cabinet temperature and settings).
Should not aect defrost cycle. (Defrost cycle should not be dependent
upon the amount of times and duration of the door opening.)
Light in refrigerator cavity should be removed, either by unscrewing the
bulb or by taping down the light switch. Check to make sure there are no
other lights (e.g. door lights) that are turned on when the door is opened.
CAUTION: Disabling Door Switches
Taping or otherwise holding down the door plunger switch to
avoid these problems will cause the refrigerator to operate less e ciently
(the cavity temperature will be higher than expected) and in hot, humid
climates, the compressor may run continuously which may shorten its
operating lifetime. Always remember to remove the tape or other hold
down device soon after the end of Shabbos/Yom Tov.
Numerous models are now using magnetic door switches instead of
the mechanical, spring plunger switches. Avoid these models. If you already
have such a model you may disable it by locating the switch with a strong
magnet, then taping the magnet over it. Te magnet must be at enough
not to interfere with the door gasket sealing properly when you close the
fridge. To locate the switch, check the outside top of the refrigerator - there
may be a plunger switch located there. Or, you may nd a magnetic switch
somewhere along the refrigerators inside frame, around the sides or at the
top of the fridge.
Other Issues
Automatic Ice Makers Lift the hanger bar to an o position before
Shabbos or Yom Tov to ensure that nothing is activated by removing ice.
Ice and Cold Water Dispensers Should not be used on Shabbos or Yom
Tov because it directly turns on a valve and/or motor.
Motion Detectors Problematic for Shabbos and Yom Tov because the
refrigerator is illuminated when one approaches it.
Recommendations
Simpler is better and test the unit at the store before purchasing.
For details regarding specic models and guidelines on how they
may be used on Shabbos and Yom Tov, please visit our website,
www.star-k.org, or call our ofce at 410-484-4110.
STAR-K CERTIFIED APPLIANCE COMPANIES
Amana
Cooking Products
Bosch
Cooking Products
Dacor
Cooking Products,
Refrigeration Products
Electrolux
Cooking Products
Frigidaire
Cooking Products
General Electric
Cooking Products
Jenn-Air
Kenmore
Cooking Products
KitchenAid
Cooking Products
LG
Cooking Products
Liebherr
Maytag
Cooking Products
Samsung
Cooking Products
Sub-Zero
Thermador
Cooking Products
Viking
Cooking Products
Whirlpool
Cooking Products
Wolf
Cooking Products
We have received numerous inquiries concerning the whoosh sound that
occurs when some freezer doors are closed. This sound occurs when the
freezer door is opened and the cold air falls out of the freezer and is replaced
by warmer, lighter and less dense air. The door is now closed and the warmer
air is now cooled, becomes denser and therefore takes up less space than when
it was warm. This creates a vacuum in the freezer which nature tries to correct
by sucking in outside air through the door gasket; thus, the whooshing sound.
This process does not present any Halacha problems for Shabbos or Yom Tov.
INFORMATION
39 A Guide to the Mitzvos of Seder Night 38 Pesach Seder
The PESACH SEDER
Rabbi Mordechai Frankel, Director, Institute of Halacha
Te following contains halachic guidance concerning some of the common issues that
arise when conducting a Seder. In particular, it discusses preparation for the Seder, the
four cups of wine, and the obligation to eat matza, marror, korech and akoman. It is by
no means comprehensive. For a more comprehensive guide, see HaSeder HaAruch by
Rabbi Moshe Yaakov Weingarten (three volumes, 1431 pages).
PREPARATIONS FOR THE SEDER
A person should complete all of the necessary preparations for the Seder on Erev
Pesach in order to enable him to start the Seder without delay.
1
(If Erev Pesach falls on
Shabbos, he cannot prepare for the Seder on Erev Pesach since he may not prepare for
Yom Tov on Shabbos from one day of Yom Tov for the next day.)
Te following preparations should be made prior to Yom Tov:
1. If horseradish is being used for marror, it should be grated.
2
If one forgot to do
this, then he may grate it on Yom Tov if he employs a shinui and grates in an unusual
manner, such as grating it onto the table rather than onto a plate.
3

2. If lettuce leaves are being used for marror, they should be checked to ensure that
they are not harboring insects.
4
To check romaine lettuce leaves one should separate
the leaves, soak them in water, and then make a thorough leaf by leaf inspection. Any
insects which are found must be removed. Alternatively, he may use romaine stalks for
marror instead of the leaves.
5
To do this, he should remove the leaves from the stalks
and rinse them under a strong stream of water, rubbing the stalks during the rinsing.
No further checking is required.
3. Prepare the karpas vegetable and the salt water into which it will be dipped.
6

Any vegetable may be used for karpas, except those which may be used for marror.
7
However the custom is to use celery,
8
radishes,
9
or cooked potatoes.
10

Te following abbreviations have been used: M.B. Mishna Berura, S. A. Shulchan Aruch, S.H. Shaar HaTziyun,
B.H. Biur Halacha. All citations to Shulchan Aruch refer to section Orach Chayim.
1. S.A. 472:1.
2. See M.B. 473:36; Rema 495:1; M.B. 495:10; S.H. 495:12; B.H. Miyhu. M.B. 473:36 states that the Gra would not grate the marror until
the start of the Seder, due to concern that it may lose its sharpness.
3. See Rema 504:1; M.B. 504:11; M.B. 504:19; S.H. 504:33. See also Orchos Rabbeinu vol. 2 page 73. If Pesach occurs on Shabbos, one must
grate the marror on Erev Pesach; if he did not do so, he should prepare it in the manner prescribed by M.B. 321:45.
4. M.B. 473:42.
5. S.A. 473:5.
6. See Chayei Odom, kelal 130 dinnei haSeder biketzara 1. See M.B. 473:21 concerning the preparation of salt water on Shabbos.
7. M.B. 473:20.
8. See Minhagei Maharil, Machon Yerushalayim edition page 96; Teshuvos Chasam Sofer, Orach Chaim 132, quoting RavNosson Adler; Tosafos
Yom Tov Shabbos 9:5; Magen Avrohom 473:4; Chok Yaakov 473:12; Chayei Odom klal 130 kitzur dinei haSeder 5.
9. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 118:2; Aruch HaShulchan 473:10.
10. Aruch HaShulchan 473:10.
4. Prepare the charoses.
11
Te ingredients for charoses typically include grated apples,
almonds and other nuts,
12
cinnamon, ginger and red wine.
13
Te charoses should have
the texture of apple sauce.
14

5. Te bone which will be used for the Zroa on the Seder plate should be roasted
over a re, as was done to the Korbon Pesach.
15
Some people rst boil the Zroa and
then singe it over a ame.
16
It is preferable to use the forearm of an animal or bird,
which is the Zroa bone.
17
Te equivalent limb of a chicken is the part of the wing that
is directly attached to the body.
18
Te Zroa must have some meat on the bone.
19
It
may not be eaten on the Seder night, because we do not eat roasted meat at the Seder.
20

Te meat of the Zroa (which has been cooked before Yom Tov) should ideally be eaten
on the second day of Yom Tov, as it is not proper to dispose of the Zroa in an untting
manner.
21

6. Boil and then roast the egg to be used on the Seder plate.
22
A person whose
custom is to eat eggs at the Seder meal should also prepare these eggs.
23

7. Open the wine bottles to be used at the Seder. In particular, wine bottles which
have a screw cap should be opened before Yom Tov.
24
One should also open the boxes
of matza that will be needed for the rst days of Yom Tov.
25

8. Children should rest so that they will be awake during the Seder.
26
If possible,
adults should also rest.
27

9. Set the Seder table with elegant dishes and arrange the chairs which will be used
for leaning.
28
Even though throughout the year one should minimize luxury as a zecher
lchurban, on the Seder night it is appropriate to use the nest dishes available.
29
Some
people have a custom that the husband arranges the Keara.
30
Tere were gedolim who
insisted on personally setting the table for the Seder.
31

11. M.B. 473:47. See M.B. 473:47; M.B. 321:67; M.B. 321:45 concerning the preparation of charoses on Shabbos.
12. See Rema 473:5; M.B. 473:49.
13. Rema 473:5; M.B. 473:48.
14. Heard from Rav Heinemann shlita.
15. S.A. 473:4; M.B. 473:28-29. See M.B. 473:32 concerning roasting the Zroa on Yom Tov.
16. See Magen Avrohom 473:8 quoting Maharil; Piskei Teshuvos 473:12 and footnote 58.
17. S.A. 473:4; M.B. 473:27.
18. Heard from Rav Heinemann shlita.` Pri Megadim siman 473 aishel avrohom 7 writes that there are those who use the neck of a bird for
the Zroa, although he does not know why.
19. M.B. 473:27.
20.M.B. 473:32.
21. See M.B. 473:32.
22. S.A. 473:4; M.B. 473:32. M.B. writes that if one does not intend to eat the egg on that day, then the egg cannot be roasted on Yom Tov and
must be prepared before Yom Tov.
23. See Rema 476:2 that it is customary to eat a hard-boiled egg at the start of the Seder meal.
24. M.B. 509:28. See also Igros Moshe, Orach Chaim 1:122 anaf 10; Minchas Shlomo 1:91 section 12..
25. See Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchassa 9:10-12.
26. See S.A. 472:1; Rashi and Rashbam, Pesachim 109a.
27. See Matteh Moshe siman 600.
28. S.A. 472:2.
29. M.B. 472:6.
30. See Chidah, Moreh BeEtzbah siman 206,
31. See Haggadah Shel Pesach Chasam Sofer page 34; Haggadah Shel Pesach MiBeis Halevi hosohfos page 64.
10. Prepare the Keara. Tere are diering customs as to the layout of the various
components of the Keara. One prevalent custom is that of the Arizal.
32
According
to this minhag, beginning at the top of the Keara, is the Zroa, which is placed on the
upper right side of the Keara and the beitzah which is placed on the upper left side. Te
marror is placed in the middle of the Keara, with the charoses underneath and to the
right and the karpas underneath and to left. Te charoses is placed at the bottom of
the Keara nearest to the leader of the Seder. Tree matzos are placed either outside or
underneath the Keara,
33
next to the Zroa and beitzah.
34

Another custom is that of the Rema.
35
According to this minhag, the karpas and
salt water are placed nearest to the leader of the Seder with the matza above them, the
marror and charoses above the matza, and the beitzah and Zroa above them furthest
from the leader of the Seder.
Below is an illustration of the Keara according to both the Rema and the Arizal.
Tere are other customs regarding the arrangement of the items on the Keara.
Te Gra
36
and Maharal
37
each have diering customs. A person should follow his
own particular minhag.
Some have the custom to place a covering between each of the three matzos, while
others do not.
38
Te matzos should be covered before Kiddush.
39
Often, families that
join together for the Seder have the custom of providing a separate Keara for the head
of each individual household.
40
32. Chayei Odom siman 130 kelalei haSeder biketzara 1; Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 118:8; Beer Haitiv 473:8; M.B. 473:26; Aruch HaShulchan
473:11.
33. Te Arizal, quoted by Beer Haitiv 473:8, states that the Keara should be on the matzos. Shulchan Aruch HaGraz 473:26 understands this
to mean that the Keara should be on top of the matzos. In order to facilitate this, the Keara is built with slots under the plate into which the
matzos can be inserted.
34. Kaf HaChayim 473:58 understands the Arizal to mean that the Keara should be next to the matzos.
35. Rema 473:4.
36. Maaseh Rav 187.
37. Haggadah Shel Pesach attributed to the Maharal page 41. However, it has been argued that the work is a forgery and was not written by
the Maharal. See the essay of Rav Benedict in the journal Moriah, Sivan 5745. Rav Benedict points out that in the Maharals sefer Gevuros
Hashem, which extensively discusses the Pesach Seder, there is no mention of the Keara being arranged this way.
38. See Chayei Odom, kelal 130 dinei haSeder biketzara 1; Taamei HaMinhagim #520.
39. See S.A. 473:4; Pri Megaddim Mishbetzos Zahav start of siman 486; S.A. 271:9, M.B. 271:41. See also Matteh Moshe siman 613 quoting
the Maharil (Minhagei Maharil page 95).
40. See S.A. 473:4; M.B. 473:17; Piskei Teshuvos 472:11 and footnote 51. See also Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchassa, vol. 2 chap. 55 footnote 15;
Halichos Shlomo Pesach chap. 9 footnote 65.
Te Rema
BEYTZAH
CHAROSES
SALT WATER
ZEROA
MAROR
KARPAS
THREE MATZOS
Te Arizal
BEYTZAH
CHAROSES
CHAZERES
ZEROA
MAROR
KARPAS
11. Make an eruv tavshilin, if necessary. One should take a baked item such as matza
and a cooked item
41
such as sh, meat or an egg.
42
He should hold the items
43
and
recite the text found in the siddur. Te eruv tavshilin should not be eaten until all of the
preparations for Shabbos are completed.
44
It is customary to eat the eruv tavshilin at
shalosh seudos.
45

THE FOUR CUPS
One is required to drink four cups of wine at the Seder;
46
women have the same
obligation as men.
47
If a person drinks four cups of wine in a row, he is not yotzei this
Mitzva.
48
Rather, he must recite the Haggadah and drink each of the arba kosos at the
appropriate point.
49
For this reason, he may not drink the fourth cup immediately
after the third cup.
50
A woman should make sure that she either recites the Haggadah
herself or hears the leader of the Seder recite the Haggadah, so that she will be able to
drink the arba kosos at the appropriate times.
51

Te cup should hold the measurement of a reviis of wine.
52
According to Rav Chaim
Noeh, a reviis is calculated at 86 cubic centimeters of wine (C1o u`\r`>),
53
which is
equivalent to slightly less than 3 . oz. According to the Chazon Ish, it equals 150 cubic
centimeters of wine (1> C1o u`\r`>) which is equivalent to slightly more than
5 . oz.
54
Based on the ruling of the Mishna Berura, Rav Heinemann shlita
55
states
that it is necessary to use a cup which holds 3.8 uid ounces.
56
41. S.A. 527:2.
42. M.B. 527:11.
43. See Maharsham 2:36.
44. S.A. 527:16-17.
45. See M.B. 527:48; Piskei Teshuvos 527:12.
46. S.A. 472:8, M.B. 472:24.
47. S.A. 472:14, M.B. 472:44.
48. S.A. 472:8.
49. B.H. 472:8 Shelo states that if one drinks the arba kosos with a pause between each cup, but does not recite the Haggadah in between, it is
questionable whether he is yotzei.
50. M.B. 472:26.
51. End of B.H. 472:8 shelo.
52. S.A. 472:9.
53. Rav Chaim Noeh, Shiurei Torah page 176. 86 cm = 2.91 . oz.
54. Te Steipler Gaon, Shiurin Shel Torah page 65. 150 cm = 5.08 . oz.
55. Heard from Rav Heinemann shlita .
56. See Eruvin 83a, that a reviis is equivalent to the volume of 1 eggs. Tzlach, Pesachim 109, argues that the eggs referred to by Chazal are
twice the size of present day eggs. Rav Chaim Noeh, Shiurei Torah Shaar 3, disagrees with the Tzlach. See further M.B. 271:68; B.H. 271:13
Shel; Chazon Ish, Orach Chaim 39. M.B. states that for Kiddush one should, lechatchilah, consider a reviis as equivalent to the volume of two
present day eggs. Rav Dovid Feinstein shlita , sefer Kol Dodi Al Hilchos HaSeder, states that the volume of a large present day egg is 2.2 . oz.
Rav Bodner, sefer Kezayis Hasholem, page 24 footnote 24, states that it has a volume of 1.87 . oz. He further states that he discussed the issue
with Rav Dovid Feinstein, who agreed that this was a more accurate measurement. Rav Heinemann shlita measured a present day egg as
having the volume of 1.9 . oz. Te volume of two eggs would therefore equal 3.8 . oz.
Red wine should be used for the Seder.
72
Troughout the year, it is preferable not
to use wine which has been cooked for Kiddush; the same is true for the Seder.
73
Tis is
because uncooked wine tastes better than cooked wine.
74
It is debatable as to whether
pasteurized wine has the same status as cooked wine in this regard.
75

A child who has reached the age of chinuch, about ve or six years old,
76
should
also be given arba kosos to drink;
77
however, it is not essential to do so.
78
A child does
not need to drink a full reviis of wine or grape juice and should rather drink meloh
lugmav, the amount of wine he can hold in his cheeks.
79
It is customary to give arba
kosos even to younger children, although they can be given a minimal amount of grape
juice.
80

When drinking the rst cup, a person should have in mind that he is fullling the
obligations of both Kiddush and the rst of the arba kosos.
81

A man should drink the arba kosos while leaning to his left side.
82
If he did not
lean while drinking the rst, third or fourth kos, he should not drink that kos a second
time.
83
If he did not lean while drinking the second kos, he should drink another kos
during the meal while leaning to his left side.
84

MATZA
Both men and women are commanded by the Torah to eat matza at the Seder.
85
A
child who has reached the age of chinuch should also be given matza to eat at the Seder.
86
Te matzos being used for the mitzva should be Shemura matzos. Tis is matza
that has been watched since the harvesting of the wheat to ensure that nothing has
72. S.A. 472:11. See also Rema 472:1; M.B. 272:10.
73. S.A. 272:8; Rema 272:8; M.B. 272:23; S.A. 472:12; M.B. 472:39.
74. M.B. 272:19.
75. Te laws of stam yayin do not apply to cooked wine. Igros Moshe, Yoreh Deah 2:52 and Yoreh Deah 3:31, states that they similarly do not
apply to pasteurized wine. However Minchas Shlomo 1:25 and Rav Elyashiv shlita , Kovetz Teshuvos 1:75, disagree. It is not clear whether the
Igros Moshe would also treat pasteurized wine as cooked wine with regard to Kiddush. Te Meiri, Bava Basra 97, is of the opinion that cooked
wine should not be used for Kiddush even if the cooking did not result in any taste change. Presumably, the Meiri would consider pasteurized
wine as being in this category.
76. See Chok Yaakov 472:27; Shulchan Aruch HaGraz 472:25.
77. S.A. 472:15.
78. M.B. 472:46.
79. M.B. 472:47.
80. Chok Yaakov 472:27 quoting Maharil (Minhagei Maharil page 94); Kaf Hachaim 472:91. Te Chavos Yair in his sefer Mekor Chaim (Piskei
Dinim 472:15) states that it is customary to give wine (or grape juice) even to small babies.
81. M.B. 473:1. M.B. says that some people have the custom to state this verbally. He adds that before reciting the Haggadah, one should
verbalize or think that he is going to fulll the Mitzva of sippur yetzias mitzrayim. See also Haggadah Shel Pesach MiBeis Halevi page 93.
82. S.A. 473:2.
83. See S.A. 472:7; Rema 472:7.
84. See S.A. 472:7; Rema 472:7; M.B. 472:21; S.H. 472:31.
85. Tere is a Torah obligation to eat matza on the rst night of Pesach and a rabbinic obligation on the second night, as stated by M.B.475:44.
M.B. 472:44 states that women have the same obligation as men.
86. See M.B. 343:2-3; M.B. 269:1; Halichos Shlomo Pesach 9:43.
Ideally, a person should drink a reviis of wine.
57
Some opinions state that if the
cup holds more than a reviis he should drink the entire cup;
58
others dispute this.
59

If it is di cult to drink an entire reviis of wine, one should drink slightly more
than half the cup.
60
If a person has di culty drinking four cups of wine, he should
make sure that he has a cup that holds exactly a reviis so that he will need to drink only
slightly more than half a reviis.
61
For the fourth cup, he should either drink enough
wine to be able to recite a brocha acharona himself or have someone be motzei him.
62

It is preferable to drink the majority of the reviis at one time.
63
If a person cannot
do so, he should at least drink the majority of the reviis within kedei shtias reviis,
64
which is approximately half a minute.
65

An alcoholic wine should be used for the arba kosos.
66
Te wine can be diluted
with grape juice.
67
Rav Heinemann shlita is of the opinion that the resulting mixture
should contain at least 4% alcohol.
68
Terefore, wine which has 12% alcohol content
can be diluted into wine and grape juice. Alternatively, the wine can be diluted
with water. Wine which has 12% alcohol content can therefore be diluted into wine
and water, or wine and grape juice and water.
69
If a person cannot drink
wine, then he can use grape juice for the four cups.
70
Some people may have di culty
tolerating both wine and grape juice. A person who will become incapacitated is not
obliged to drink the arba kosos.
71

57. S.A. 472:9; M.B. 472:30.
58. Chok Yaakov 472:20 quoting Bach; Shulchan Aruch HaGraz 472:19.
59. Chok Yaakov 472:20. See also Orchos Rabbeinu vol. 2 page 60.
60. S.A. 472:9, M.B. 472:30.
61. M.B. 472:33. Rov reviis is equivalent to moleh lugmav, the amount of liquid that a person can hold in his cheeks. B.H. 472:9 veyishteh
states that a larger person, whose moleh lugmav is greater than rov reviis, would need to drink his personal moleh lugmav.
62. M.B. 472:30.
63. M.B. 472:34 writes that ideally the rov reviis should be drunk at one time. Kol Dodi explains this to means that the rov reviis should be
drunk without taking the cup from ones mouth. See also his rebuttal of Machatzis Hashekel 472:1.
64. M.B. 472:34.
65. Heard from Rav Heinemann shlita. See M.B. 472:34; S.H. 472:49 concerning a person who took a longer time than this.
66. Kol Dodi quoting Rav Moshe Feinstein ztl. He further states that one should push himself to drink the arba kosos in this optimal manner.
See also Pri Chadah end of siman 483; Mikrai Kodesh (and footnotes entitled Harerei Kodesh) Pesach vol. 2 page 35.
67. See M.B. 472:37.
69. See M.B. 204:32; M.B. 272:16, that wine can be diluted one part in six and still retain the brocha of Borei Pri Hagofen. See Machaztis
Hashekel 204:16 quoting Eliyahu Rabba; Pri Megadim siman 204 aishhel avrohom 16; Kol Dodi. Te wine used for the arba kosos should not
be diluted to this extent because such a mixture would be only minimally alcoholic. Hilchos Chag Bechag (Chag HaPesach), page 422, states
that it is customary to dilute wine with grape juice. Rav Heinemann shlita is of the opinion that the mixture should retain a 4% alcohol
content.
70. M.B. 472:37. Teshuvos VeHanhogos 2:243 states that a sick person or old person may lechatchilah use grape juice for arba kosos and notes
that the Chebiner Rav and the Brisker Rav did so. See also Shulchan Aruch HaGraz 472:17; Hilchos Chag Bechag page 415; Halichos Shlomo
Pesach 9:11. Concerning the dilution of grape juice, see Minchas Shlomo 1:4; Vezos Habracha page 116 and Hilchos Shabbas BeShabbas page 386
quoting Rav Elyashiv shlita . According to their viewpoint, grape juice which is used for arba kosos should not be mixed with more than a little
amount of water.
71. See S.A. 472-10 and M.B. 472:35, that a person who does not generally drink wine or grape juice because it is detrimental or distasteful
should force himself to drink the arba kosos; however, a person who will have a more severe reaction and will become incapacitated is not
obligated to do so.
the lechem mishna.
102
If feasible, he should then set down the bottom matza and recite
the brocha of Al Achilas Matza while holding the top and broken middle matza.
103
He
should then give each person at the Seder a kezayis, including within the kezayis some
of the top and middle matza over which the brocha has been made.
104
A person should preferably chew the matza without swallowing, until he has a
kezayis of matza in his mouth, and then swallow the kezayis at one time.
105
In regards
to this, one may rely upon the more lenient measurements of a kezayis, which calculate
it as being less than of a machine matza.
106
People who nd it impractical to swallow
an entire kezayis at one time should instead eat the kezayis in the normal manner, and
include some of the top and broken middle matza over which the brocha has been
made.
107
Te Shulchan Aruch brings an opinion that one should eat a kezayis from the top
matza followed by a second kezayis from the broken middle matza.
108
However, a
person who fullls the requirement of eating a kezayis by eating the size of half of
a machine matza is actually eating two kezaysim when calculated according to the
more lenient measurements of a kezayis.
109
It is, therefore, su cient to eat the size of
half of a machine matza in order to comply with the opinion that suggests eating two
kezaysim.
110

Before eating, a person should have in mind that he is about to perform the mitzva
of eating matza.
111
When reciting or hearing the brocha of Al Achilas Matza, he should
also have in mind the eating of the akomon.
112

MARROR
Nowadays, in the absence of the Korbon Pesach, it is no longer a Torah requirement
to eat marror at the Seder; however, there is a rabbinic obligation to do so.
113
Tis
102. S.A. 475:1; M.B. 475:2.
103. M.B.475:2.
104. S.A. 475:1; M.B.475:2; M.B. 475:6; M.B. 475:8. Piskei Tesuvos 475:2 describes an alternative custom for the recitation of the brachos and
division of the matza. Te leader of the Seder makes the brocha of Hamotzi and then divides the kezayis of matza for each person at the Seder.
He includes within the kezayis some of the matza over which he made the brocha. Each individual then recites the brocha of Al Achilas Matza.
105. M.B. 475:9.
106. Shiurin Shel Torah siman 11 states that fundamentally the Chazon Ish paskened in accordance with Rav Chaim of Volozhin who stated
that a kezayis is measured as the average size of a present day olive, which at a maximum would be the volume of of a present day egg. Based
on his statement that of a machine matza contains the volume of a present day egg, 2/9 of a machine matza would contain the volume of a
kezayis. See also sefer Kezayis Hasholem, page 24; Orchos Rabbeinu vol. 2 pages 66-69.
107. See S.A. 475:1. Orchos Rabbeinu vol. 2 page 70 quotes Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlita as stating that the Chazon Ish did not put a whole
kezayis of matza in his mouth at one time, but ate it in the normal manner within three minutes. Orchos Rabbeinu vol. 2 page 66 similarly
quotes the Steipler Gaon as saying that one should eat the matza in the normal manner. See also Halichos Shlomo Pesach 9:41 and Halichos
Shlomo Tellah page 380, quoting Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach.
108. See S.A. 475:1; M.B. 475:9; Orchos Rabbeinu vol. 2 page 69. B.H. 475:1 kezayis questions the necessity of eating two kezaysim and
quotes sources to the contrary. Orchos Rabbeinu vol. 2 pages 69-70 quotes Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlita as stating that the Chazon Ish told him
that the Halacha follows the opinion that it is necessary to eat only one kezayis.
109. As stated above, fundamentally the Chazon Ish paskened that a kezayis is measured as the volume of a present day olive, which is smaller
than the volume of of a machine matza.
110. Heard from Rav Heinemann shlita . Kol Dodi shares this opinion. See also Orchos Rabbeinu vol. 2 page 66.
111. See S.A. 475:4; M.B. 475:34; B.H 60:4 yesh omrim; B.H. 60:4 veyesh omrim; M.B. 60:10 quoting the Chayei Odom.
112. S.H. 477:4.
113. M.B. 473:33.
occurred which might cause it to become chometz.
87
Many people have the custom to
use only hand-baked matzos for this mitzva; others use machine matzos.
88

A person must eat one kezayis of matza at the Seder.
89
Te Steipler Gaon
90

and Rav Dovid Feinstein
91
write that ideally one should eat of a machine matza or
the equivalent volume of hand-baked matza, which would be approximately half of a
Tzelem Pupa hand matza.
92
However, upon experimentation, Rav Heinemann shlita
found that half of a machine matza or of a Tzelem Pupa hand matza contains the
volume of matza necessary for a kezayis.
93
A person who has di culty chewing may crush the kezayis of matza before eating
it.
94
If necessary, he may also soak the matza in water to facilitate eating the kezayis.
95
A person who is unable to eat or drink the prescribed amount of matza, marror or wine
should consult his Rabbi. Please refer to the article, Pesach Guide For Tose With
Diabetes, for more information.
Te kezayis of matza should be eaten within the time span of kedei achilas peras.
96
Te kezayis should preferably be eaten within two minutes.
97
If this cannot be done,
it should at least be eaten within three
98
or four minutes.
99
A man should eat the matza
while leaning on his left side.
100
If he did not do so, he should eat another kezayis
without another brocha while leaning to his left side.
101
After everyone at the Seder has nished washing netilas yadayim and returned to
the table, the leader of the Seder should take the three matzos in front of him and recite
the brocha of Hamotzi. Te top and bottom matzos, which are both whole, will serve as
87. See S.A. 553:4; M.B 553:21-22; B.H. 553:4 tov; B.H. 460:1 ein.
88. Rav Shlomo Kluger paskened that matza made by a hand powered machine is not acceptable for the Mitzva; whereas Rav Yosef Shaul
Natansohn (author of Teshuvos Shoel Umeishiv) was lenient, as recorded in Sdei Chemed vol. 7 page 397. Concerning matza made by an
electric machine, the Maharsham 4:129, 9:31 was stringent and the Divrei Malkiel 4:20 was lenient. See also Chazon Ish, Orach Chaim 6:10;
Hilchos Chag Bechag page 337.
89. Rambam, Hilchos Chometz Umatza 6:1.
90. M.B. 486:1 implies that one should eat the amount of matza which has the same volume as a present day egg. Shiurin Shel Torah, page 65
and footnote on page 66, states that in order to meet this requirement, it is appropriate to ensure that the rst kezayis be approximately the size
of of a machine matza.
91. Rav Dovid Feinstein shlita , Kol Dodi, writes that the matza which is eaten for the kezayis should have the volume of 1.5 . oz. Sefer
Kezayis Hashalem, page 91, states that this is equivalent to the size of of a machine matza. Kol Dodi further states that this measurement is
given for the rst night of Pesach, but on the second night of Pesach one can be more lenient.
93. Heard from Rav Heinemann shlita . Orchos Rabbeinu vol. 2 page 66 writes that the Steipler Gaon noted that the Chazon Ish would take
of a hand baked matza as a kezayis for both Achilas matza and korech, and eat additional matza during the meal while leaning so as to fulll the
Mitzva without any doubt. See further Orchos Rabbeinu ibid.
94. B.H. 461:4 yotzei.
95. See M.B. 461:17-18; S.H.461:32. M.B. 458:4 states that there are scrupulous people who are stringent and do not let matza become
wet for the duration of Pesach, due to the concern that there might be some residual our below the surface of the matza which could become
chometz upon contact with water. Tis is the custom of not eating gebrochts. See further Shaarei Teshuvah 460:1.
96. M.B. 475:9.
97. Shiurin shel Torah, page, 67, based on Chasam Sofer 6:16.
98. See Igros Moshe, Orach Chaim 4:41; Aruch HaShulchan 202:8; Orchos Rabbeinu vol. 2 page 70.
99. See Shiurin Shel Yorah page 67.
100. S.A. 475:1; M.B. 475:10.
101. M.B. 472:22.
Te kezayis of marror should be eaten within the time span of kedei achilas pe'ras.
132
Te kezayis should preferably be eaten within two minutes.
133
If this cannot be done,
it should at least be eaten within three
134
or four minutes.
135
One does not lean when
eating the marror.
136

KORECH
Te leader of the Seder should take the remaining bottom matza and use it to give
each person at the Seder a portion of korech.
137
It is customary to prepare korech with
two pieces of matza sandwiching some marror.
138
Te marror should be dipped into
charoses, and the excess charoses shaken o.
139
Some have the custom not to dip the
marror into charoses for korech.
140

A person should eat one kezayis of matza and one kezayis of marror for korech,
141

and measure the kezayis of marror as described above.
142
For the kezayis of matza, it is
su cient to take half of the volume of matza described above.
143
Terefore, following
the larger measurement described above, one should eat of a machine matza or of
a Tzelem Pupa hand matza. Following the measurements of Rav Heinemann shlita, it
is su cient to take of a machine matza or
1
/6 of a Tzelem Pupa hand matza.
144
Before eating the korech, one should recite the paragraph .
145
Some suggest saying this paragraph after one has started to eat the korech.
146
A man
should consume korech while leaning to his left side;
147
if he did not do so, he does
not need to eat another portion.
148
From the time a person recites the brocha over the
matza until he eats the korech portion, it is preferable not to discuss matters unrelated
to the eating of the matza, marror, korech and the Seder meal.
149
AFIKOMAN
Te leader of the Seder should give each person at the Seder a kezayis of matza,
150

including within the kezayis some of the remaining half of the middle matza.
151
132. M.B. 473:43; S.H. 473:60.
133. Shiurin shel Torah page 67, based on Chasam Sofer 6:16.
134. See Igros Moshe, Orach Chaim 4:41; Aruch HaShulchan 202:8; Orchos Rabbeinu vol. 2 page 70.
135. See Shiurin Shel Yorah page 67.
136. S. A. 475:1. M.B. 475:14 states that if a person does lean while eating the marror it is also ne.
137. S.A. 475:1.
138. See S.A. 475:1; Aruch HaShulchan 475:7.
139. See S.A 475:1; Rema 475:1; M.B. 475:17; M.B. 475:19.
140. See Rema 475:1; M.B. 475:18.
141. M.B. 475:16.
142. See Kol Dodi; Orchos Rabbeinu vol.2 page 75, who suggest that for korech one may use a smaller amount of marror.
143. See M.B. 486:1.
144. Heard from Rav Heinemann, shlita .
145. S.A. 475:1
146. See B.H. 475:1 veomar.
147. S.A. 475:1
148. Kaf HaChaim 475: 36 quoting Pri Chadash.
149. See S.A. 475:1; M.B. 475:24.
150. S.A. 477:1.
151. S.A. 477:6; M.B. 477:58.
obligation applies equally to men and women.
114
Children who have reached the age
of chinuch should also be given marror to eat, similar to an adult.
115

A person may use romaine lettuce for the marror,
116
although it must be checked
before Pesach to ensure that it does not harbor insects.
117
He may use either the leaves
or the lettuce stalks for marror.
118
Te lettuce does not need to be bitter,
119
although
there is an opinion that the lettuce must have some element of bitter taste.
120
Some
people have the custom not to use lettuce for marror.
121
Raw horseradish may also be used for marror.
122
It is customary that people who
use lettuce for marror put some horseradish on the lettuce, although it is not necessary
to do so.
123
Tere is no need to use a lot of horseradish for this.
124

Te marror should be dipped into charoses, and the excess charoses shaken o.
125

A person must eat a kezayis of marror.
126
Te amount of lettuce which will displace
25 cm of water would constitute a kezayis, according to the Rav Chaim Noeh.
127
Tis
is equivalent to slightly less than 1 . oz. According to the Chazon Ish
128
and Rav Dovid
Feinstein,
129
he should take 1.1 . oz. of lettuce for marror. Rav Heinemann shlita is
of the opinion that a person should take 1 . oz. of lettuce.
130
One large lettuce leaf or
two large stalks displaces approximately 1 . oz. of water.
131

114. M.B. 472:45.
115. See M.B. 443:2.
116. See S.A. 473:5; M.B. 473:34. Kol Dodi states that it is customary to specically use romaine lettuce.
117. M.B. 473:42.
118. S.A. 473:5, M.B. 473:38.
119. Chayei Odom 130:3, Shulchan Aruch HaGraz 473:30, M.B. 473:42, Aruch HaShulchan 473:16.
120. Chazon Ish, Orach Chaim 124 comments on Pesachim 39a. See the letter written by the Steipler Gaon, which is reproduced at the end of
the sefer Hilchos Chag BeChag.
121. See Orchos Rabbeinu vol. 2 page 74.
122. S.A. 473:5; M.B. 473:34. M.B. 473:39 states that the horseradish has to be raw.
123. Aruch HaShulchan 473:14. See also Piskei Teshuvah 473:18 footnote 102. Halichos Shlomo Pesach 9:48 discourages this.
124. See the letter that the Netziv wrote to his son, printed in Merumei Sodeh Pesachim 39a, in which he discourages using horseradish for
marror due to the di culty of eating it.
125. S.A. 475:1; M.B. 475:13.
126. S.A. 473:5, M.B. 473:41. See the letter written by Reb Akiva Eiger, printed in Chut HaMeshulash pages 205-206.
127. M.B. 486:1 states that with regard to marror, which is nowadays a rabbinic obligation, one can measure a kezayis as being the size of half
of a present day egg. Rav Chaim Noeh, Shiurei Torah page 191, states that half a present day egg has a volume of 28.8 cm. 28.8 cm = 0.97
. oz.
128. Chazon Ish, Orach Chaim 100 and 39:17, states that with regard to marror one can measure a kezayis as being equivalent to the volume of
of a present day egg. Shiurin Shel Torah page 65 states that a present day egg has a volume of 50cm. Terefore, a kezayis will have a volume
of 33.3 cm. 33.3 cm = 1.13 . oz. Shiurin Shel Torah siman 11 states that fundamentally the Chazon Ish paskened in accordance with Rav
Chaim of Volozhin that a kezayis is measured as the size of a present day olive, which at a maximum would have the volume of of a present
day egg. He also states that a person who has di culty eating marror can rely upon this measurement, which calculates as 17cm or 0.58 . oz.
Also see the letter written by the Steipler Gaon, which is reproduced at the end of the sefer Hilchos Chag BeChag.
129. Kol Dodi.
130. Heard from Rav Heinemann shlita . Tis is in accordance with the view of Rav Chaim Noeh.
131. Sefer Kezayis Hashalem, pages 98-101, states that one large lettuce leaf or two large lettuce stalks contain the volume of a kezayis. Tis
was calculated in accordance with the view that a kezayis is equivalent to 0.96 . oz.
49 Institute of Halacha 48 Pesach Seder
STAR-Ks Institute of Halacha Fills A
Much Needed Void
by Margie Pensak
Te Mishna teaches us, appoint for yourself a Rav, a Torah guide, from
whom you can acquire clarity through wisdom. However, what happens
when you do not have a personal Rav because you live in Fargo, North
Dakota? Or, what if you live in a large Jewish community and have a Rav
who is unreachable, and time is of the essence for your halachaic query?
HaRav Mordechai Frankel, the director of the Institute of Halacha, serves
under the guidance of HaRav Moshe Heinemann, STAR-Ks Rabbinic
Administrator. HaRav Frankel has received shailos from kosher consumers
around the world on everything from removing ice from a freezer ice maker
on Shabbos to the permissibility of growing a grafted fruit tree. Te Institute
of Halacha is also an invaluable resource for rabbanim who may call HaRav
Frankel to discuss general halachic matters.
STAR-K realizes that there is no substitute for ones own Rav who knows
you personally. However, when your Rav is not available, shailos may
be called in to the Institute of Halacha , 410-484-4110 x 238, Monday-
Tursday, 2-5 pm, Friday, 11 am-2 pm, or emailed to: Halacha@star-k.org.
(E-mail will only be answered during these hours, as well.)
STAR-KS MONTHLY TELEKOSHER
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
Te TeleKosher Conference series for the general public is scheduled for
the last Wednesday of each month at 12 Noon EST, hosted by Rabbi Zvi
Goldberg.
To join the conference, call 1-218-895-1203 and enter conference 2020#.
We are also video broadcasting live via the web, go to star-k.org/telekosher.
Brought to you by www.Kosherclasses.org.
Ideally, he should take the same volume of matza as was used for the initial eating of
matza at the Seder.
152
A man should eat the akoman while leaning to his left side.
153
If he did not lean, and
has not started Birchas Hamazon, he should eat the akoman a second time, providing
that it is not too di cult for him to do so.
154
If he has started Birchas Hamazon, he
should not wash and eat the akoman again.
155

Chazal debate whether the akoman may be eaten all night long or whether it must
be eaten by chatzos, halachic midnight. In order to fulll both opinions, one must be
careful to eat the akoman before chatzos.
156
After eating the akoman, one may not
consume other food.
157
Rav Moshe Feinstein ztl states that according to both opin-
ions in Chazal, a person may not eat other food for the duration of the night.
158
He
also may not drink wine or fruit juice, with the exception of the remaining two cups of
the arba kosos;
159
he may drink water
160
or tea.
161
It has been argued that, according to the opinion that the akoman must be eaten
by chatzos, the prohibition against consuming additional food also ends at chatzos.
162
If
so, when chatzos is approaching and a person has not yet nished his meal, he may eat a
kezayis of matza and verbally state the following: If the correct opinion is that one may
eat the akoman until chatzos then this matza should be regarded as the akoman; how-
ever, if one has all night to eat the akoman then it should not be regarded as such. He
may now eat the matza, wait until chatzos, and then continue his meal. After the meal,
he should eat another kezayis of matza and state the following: If the correct opinion
is that one has all night to eat the afikoman then this matza should be regarded
as the akoman; but, if the akoman must be eaten before chatzos then it should not be
regarded as such.
163
However, Rav Moshe Feinstein ztl rejects this position and states
that the akoman must simply be eaten before chatzos.
164
When Moshiach comes, and the Beis Hamikdash is rebuilt, we will oer once again
the Korbon Pesach in accordance with the Torah obligation to eat the Korbon Pesach
with matza and marror.
165
Bimehera Yiboneh Hamikdash.
152. M.B. 487:1 states that for akoman, which is a mitzva derabonnon, one may follow the smaller measurement of kezayis. However, M.B.
477:1 states that for akoman one should ideally eat two kezaysim of matza. Two kezaysim following the smaller measurement of a kezayis is
equivalent to one kezayis of the larger measurement. Furthermore, S.H. 477:4 states that the akoman is the primary matzos mitzva according
to Rashi and the Rashbam; Kol Dodi states that this is a further reason to take a volume of matza consistent with the larger measurement of a
kezayis. See, however, Orchos Rabbeinu vol. 2 page 67.
153. S.A. 477:1.
154. M.B. 477:4; S.H. 477:4.
155. See M.B. 472:22; M.B. 474:4; Igros Moshe O.C. 3:67.
156. See S.A. 477:1, M.B. 477:6; B.H. 477:1 veyehei.
157. S.A. 478:1.
158. Igros Moshe O.C. 5:38#8.
159. S.A. 481:1; M.B. 481:1; M.B. 478:2.
160. S.A. 481:1
161. M.B. 481:1. See Beer Heitev 481:1 concerning drinking coee after eating the akoman.
162. Avnei Nezer O.C. 361.
163. Avnei Nezer O.C. 361. See also the Haggadah MiBeis Halevi that the Brisker Rav was of the opinion that this may be done without any
verbal statement.
164. Igros Moshe O.C. 5:38#8. See also Tosefos Maaseh Rav 52 that the Vilna Gaon skipped the Seder meal in order to eat the akoman before
chatzos.
165. See Berachos 12b-13a.
50 51 Star-S Certication Product Information
Despite the fact that these rice products are meticulously cleaned in the factories
with advanced machines, the Gedolei Haposkim of the Sephardic kehillot feel that
the established custom of checking the rice, grain by grain, three times is still
required. Terefore, STAR-S-P certied rice products should be checked, grain by
grain, three times prior to its usage on Pesach.
For information on how to order Carolina Mehadrin, please contact STAR-K at
410-484-4110 or Quality Frozen Foods at 718-256-9100.
Two other very popular kinds of rice used by the Sephardim are the basmati variety
from India, and the aromatic jasmine rice from Tailand. While fundamentally a
pure product, when packed in the U.S., these products can present Pesach issues
with regard to transport and packing. Fortunately, STAR-K Kashrut Administra-
tors Rabbi Avraham Mushell and Rabbi Moshe Schuchman deal with certication
of rice produced in Tailand and India. After a review with STAR-K mashgichim,
STAR-S was able to certify two other brands of STAR-K rice for Pesach 5773:
Super Lucky Elephant Jasmine Rice (packed in Tailand), bearing STAR-K
symbol
Himalayan Pride Indian Basmati Rice (packed in India), bearing STAR-K
symbol
More Kitniyot Products To Come
By Pesach 2013, STAR-S will certify frozen beans that can be reliably used for
Pesach by the Sephardic community. To order these frozen beans, contact Qual-
ity Frozen Foods at 718-256-9100. Furthermore, STAR-S hopes to provide other
products from Israel and around the world that have never before been available to
U.S. Sephardi consumers seeking Kashrut lMehadrin.
Year-Round STAR-S Products
Besides kitniyot on Pesach, it is the mission of STAR-S to provide consumers with
products that meet Sephardi chumrot in four areas:
Bishul Beit Yosef - While Ashkenazim require bishul Yisrael (Shulchan Aruch
Yoreh Deah 113), the Rama permits foods cooked by a non-Jew as long as the res
were lit by a Jew. Beit Yosef prohibits these same foods, unless at the least the rst
third of the cooking was performed by a Jew. Sephardic tend to be as strict as the
Beit Yosef. STAR-S will certify products that meet these stricter standards. STAR-S is
certifying California Delight tuna for Pesach and year round.
Chalak Beit Yosef - Rama permits the use of animals with certain blemishes on
their lungs; Beit Yosef forbids it. All Glatt kosher lamb and veal should meet the
standards of the Beit Yosef; beef products generally do not meet these guidelines.
Yoshon While many Ashkenazic communities outside of Eretz Yisrael are le-
nient when it comes to grain products that are not Yoson; Beit Yosef and all Sephardic
communities must be machmir.
STAR-S: Serving the Kashrut Needs of
Sephardic Communities
Little did anyone realize when six teenage boys embarked a plane in their native
Iran, on Motzoei Shabbos, February 18, 1978, that their trip to America would lead
to the re-establishment of the Persian communities of Atlanta, Baltimore, Los An-
geles and New York, on an even stronger Torah footing. Tanks to the herculean
eorts of Yeshivas Ner Yisroel and its late dynamic and well-connected mastermind
president, Rabbi Herman Naftali Neuberger, ztl, thousands of Iranian Jews were
rescued after the fall of the Shah.
One of the pioneering students of the more than 800 Iranian boys who came
to study at Ner Yisroel , was young Emanuel Goldfeiz, of Shiraz. He now serves
as the rav of Beit Knesset Beit Yaakov and a member of the hanhala of Ner Yisroel
and answers hundreds of shailot every week from people of all backgrounds and
levels of observance. It was Rav Goldfeiz who recognized that as the presence of
the American Sephardic communities continued to grow, the particular chumrot
required in the Edot Hamizrach for centuries, including kashrus ones, should be of-
fered in the U.S., as well. After bringing this to the attention of STAR-K president,
Avrom Pollak, a solution to this issue was realized.
The STAR-S is Born
Dr. Pollak and Rav Goldfeiz mapped out a plan to create a hechsher identied
as STAR-S, which would utilize the STAR-Ks international network of kosher
certied companies, to address the needs of these communities, by providing them
with much needed products at the highest standards of Sephardi minhagim and
Bnei Edot Hamizrach.
One of the greatest ongoing challenges for Sephardim is nding properly super-
vised kitniyot foods for use on Pesach. For many years, national kashrut agencies
debated as to whether commercially available rice could be used for Pesach. One
of the main issues concerned the enrichments used in U.S. rice mills to replace
the vitamins removed in the polishing steps of rice milling. STAR-K Kashrut
Administrators Rabbi Tzvi Rosen and Rabbi Zvi Holland determined that the vast
majority of rice packed in the U.S. shared lines with enriched rice and packaging at
plants that also pack chometz.
Rabbi Rosen and Rabbi Holland, along with Rabbi Moshe Cohen of Yeshivat
Ateret Torah, traveled to rice country to nd a way to produce extra-long grain
white rice. Tey arranged for a run of this rice for Pesach LMehadrin. Carolina
Mehadrin will be unique, as it will be the ONLY white rice that STAR-S can en-
dorse for Pesach with the following hiddurim:
Rice grown and transported in elds. with trucks dedicated exclusively to rice
that is located hundreds of miles away from other grain elds;
Packed in specially dedicated clean lines without concerns of chometz additives;
Produced under hashgacha temidit from beginning to end.
52 53 Quinoa For Pesach 5773/2013 Product Information
grains. Terefore, quinoa should only be used with reliable Kosher for Passover
certication.
Last season, STAR-K sent one of its mashgichim to a set of quinoa elds in Bolivia
where there was no concern of intermingling with barley. STAR-K ensured that the
farmers do not rotate their crops and that they use new bags to pack their crops. A
mashgiach temidi (on the premises at all times of operation) was employed during the days
of production to ensure the Kosher for Passover status of the quinoa and equipment. As
an additional precaution, lab samples were checked and showed that no chometz grains
were mixed in.
Consequently, in 5773/2013, STAR-K is for the rst time certifying quinoa that
requires no further checking. See page 87 for details. Also, see www.star-k.org/quinoa
for more information, including pictures and videos of the certication process.
Surprisingly, the U.N. has declared 2013 as the International Year of Quinoa.
2
While the relevance of that declaration has yet to be dened, the Pesach quinoa consumer
will surely remember 2013 as the Year of Star-K-P Quinoa!
2. http://www.un.org/en/events/observances/years.shtml.
Rabbi Zvi Goldberg, Star-K Kashrus Administrator
Quinoa For Pesach 5773/2013
WHAT IS QUINOA?
Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wa) is a species of seeds of the Chenopodium or
goosefoot family, and is botanically related to spinach. Although the seeds themselves
do not resemble spinach, the leaves of the quinoa plant are quite similar to spinach leaves
in both their makeup and taste. Te term goosefoot is used because some of the plants
in the species have leaves that look like the foot of a goose. Quinoa seeds are considered
a food high in nutritional value, with a protein content of 14%.
1

WHEN WAS QUINOA BROUGHT TO THE U.S.?
It was brought to the U.S. almost 30 years ago. Before that, it was grown and
consumed in many South American countries.
IS QUINOA CONSIDERED CHOMETZ?
Quinoa is not related to any of ve grains which can become chometz. Star-K tested
quinoa to see if it would rise - and it did not. Te result was what Chazal call sirchon,
decay.
IS QUNIOA CONSIDERED KITNIYOS?
Star-Ks Rabbinic Administrator, Rav Moshe Heinemann, shlita, has ruled that
quinoa is not considered kitniyos, based on Igros Moshe O.C. 3:63. In that response, Rav
Moshe Feinstein, ztl writes that one of the reasons that kitniyos is not eaten is because it
is used to create our, similar to the chometz species (e.g wheat our). If so, why do we
not refrain from eating potatoes, since it is common to grind them into potato our? He
explains that potatoes are not considered kitniyos since they were not known to Jews at
the time the custom was developed. Rav Heinemann applies the same logic to quinoa
and permits it on Pesach, since it was only recently introduced to the general Jewish
population. (For further explanation of the denition of kitniyos, see Kitniyos By Any
Other Name, pg 59.)
IF ITS NOT CHOMETZ, AND ITS NOT KITNIYOS, WHY DOES
QUINOA NEED PASSOVER CERTIFICATION?
We have found that quinoa can, at times, be either grown near barley, or rotated with
a barley crop. Furthermore, barley on occasion is used to cover quinoa during drying, and
the bags used to transport the quinoa may have previously contained our of chometz
1. For more information see the Perdue University Department of Horticulture website, http://www.hort.purdue.edu/
newcrop/afcm/quinoa.html.
54 55 Keeping Bugs in Check Product Information
actually be an insect. All Star-K mashgichim who inspect produce are personally trained,
tested and specially certied to check for infestation. It is worthwhile to point out that as
in all areas of Torah, a personal lesson is preferred. Glossy color guides are excellent
resources for reference and further knowledge but should not replace a personal lesson.
A complete discussion of this topic is beyond the scope of this article. However, we
will provide a general overview of what needs to be accomplished from a halacha
perspective and explore the practical application in both an industrial and home setting.
11
II. HALACHA OVERVIEW
Tere are three categories dened by halacha regarding what needs to be checked: 1)
Rov - something that is infested a majority of the time (over 50%); 2) Miyut HaMatzui
- something that contains a signicant percentage of infestation, although less than a rov;
3) Miyut ShEino Matzui - something that is infested only rarely or infrequently.
How one denes what constitutes a Miyut HaMatzui or ShEino Matzui is a
lengthy discussion amongst the poskim.
12
Te generally accepted guideline
13
is to follow
the opinion of the Mishkinos Yaakov,
14
that Miyut HaMatzui is anything infested
between 10-50% of the time and Eino Matzui is anything which is infested less than 10%
of the time.
How are these percentages determined? Do we look at each species or each harvest
or each eld or each serving, etc.? Rav Moshe Heinemann, shlita, paskens
15
that the
percentages are determined by serving or portion size.
16
Tis means that if one insect is
found in ten inspected portions, one will have a 10% infestation rate. Tis is determined
after one washes the produce.
17
It is also important to have an understanding of the
mechanics of the requirement to check for infestation, chiyuv bedika. Each individual has
an obligation to check food which may be infested before he is permitted to eat it. If the
produce passes inspection, it may be eaten; if it fails, it may not. Tere is no pre-existing
prohibition, issur, on any one particular lot of lettuce; each lot is evaluated on its own
merits. In classic Yeshiva terminology, there is no prohibition on the cheftza (lettuce),
rather an obligation on the gavra (to check and/or remove any insects from his food).
Te requirement for checking fruits or vegetables with an established rov of
infestation is Mdiorayso.
18
Tis means that the Torah requires inspection of fruits and
vegetables that are infested a majority of the time (a rov). Te requirement for inspecting
vegetables whose infestation is less prevalent, Miyut HaMatzui, is Midirabanan.
19
Tese
11. For a more comprehensive guide, which includes instructions for home and other non-industrial use, please visit
the STAR-K website (www.star-k.org) to view or download the STAR-K Guide to Checking for Insect Infestation or
visit www.Checkforinsects.com.
12. " ' " ," " " ," " " '
13. " "
14. "
15. " ' " " '
16. Tis is still difcult to determine defnitively, as lettuce can vary greatly by season. It is worthwhile, however, to
quote the words of the " " .
17. " ' " " "
18. " " " " " '
19. " " " ' " " '
Rabbi Sholom Tendler, Star-K Kashrus Administrator
Keeping Bugs in Check
Insect Infestation Revisited
I. INTRODUCTION
Over the past number of years, there has been much discussion regarding insect
infestation and the procedures used to check fruits and vegetables. Many guides have
been published, many lectures and demonstrations have been given, LHagdil Torah
Ulhadira. However, infestation can and does change over time,
1
so it is worthwhile to
step back from time to time and review the facts as well as the procedures used.
Te Biblical prohibition of eating insects is extremely severe. Depending upon the
type of insect eaten, a person can violate as many as six Biblical prohibitions
2
for each
insect ingested. Furthermore, the negative spiritual eect that eating shratzim, insects,
can have on a person is particularly detrimental.
3

Insect infestation is not a recent phenomenon. Since the times of chazal
4
until
today, poskim have been dealing with this issue.
5
Te bottom line is that the fact remains
that many species of produce have infestation issues and it is not possible to simply ignore
the issue and pretend it doesnt exist.
6
While the USDA is aware of the existence of
insects in produce, their guidelines are hardly a consideration from a halacha standpoint.
7

Unquestionably, if we are to enjoy our vegetables, we have to nd eective ways to control
or address infestation.
As we know, the Torah was not given to angels,
8
and we are not expected to be able
to avoid eating something which we cant see. In truth, the insects we are discussing are
all considered by halacha to be visible to the naked eye, Nireh LEinayim. Tis means that
they are able to be seen without the aid of any special magnication or tools. A jewelers
loupe or light box may be used to make checking easier, quicker, and more e cient, but
they are not used to nd insects that otherwise would not be visible due to their size.
9

Te fact that bugs can hide in the crevices of a leaf or inside a broccoli oret does NOT
make them invisible to the naked eye.
10

Insect inspection is a skill that requires proper training and decent vision, as well as
a lot of practice and patience. What at rst glance may appear to be a piece of dirt, may
1.

" " " ' " " '
2. Tere are three types of (1 . which is four (2 ; which is fve (3 ; which is six
. Te are listed in " and " .
3. " ." (" " ) " '
'
4. " ' ," " '
5. " ." " " ' '
6. " " '
7. For example, the USDA Food Defect Level Handbook allows up to 60 aphids, thrips, or mites per 100 grams of frozen
broccoli. A standard 32 oz bag of frozen broccoli is over 900 grams.
8. " "
9. " " ''
10. " " ' " ,' ' " '
56 57 Keeping Bugs in Check Product Information
checked using a lightbox. If no insects are found in the sample, that particular lot can be
certied.
26
If even one insect is found, the entire lot is rejected and will not be certied.
Since each lot is uniform and undergoes the same washing process, the test sample serves
as a clear indication of the cleanliness of that particular lot.
When a lot of romaine passes, the Star-K symbol is added to the date code. When
there is no Star-K symbol on a product, it is an indication that the lot failed inspection.
Consumers should be aware that some produce companies attach stickers to their
product, implying that it has been kosher certied. At times, these stickered bags do not
bear the Star-K symbol by the date code. Te absence of the Star-K symbol by the date
code means that that particular lot failed inspection or was never checked. Other stickers
caution the consumer in Hebrew and state that inspection is required before rinsing the
lettuce. Consumers are urged to look for a reputable symbol to be sure that no further
checking is necessary.
Te above mentioned washing system is used exclusively for fresh romaine lettuce, and is
not designed for other leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or herbs. Te only available
options for these products (fresh or frozen), if you dont want to check them yourself, are those
varities grown in greenhouses and/or certied with reliable kosher certication.
Consumers who wish to check romaine lettuces at home are advised to follow the
procedures listed below (Please see www.checkforinsects.com for detailed instructions as
well as pictorial and video tutorials):
1. Ensure that all the lettuce you wish to use is from the same lot number or
expiration code. If not, each lot will need to be checked separately.
2. If not already pre-washed, wash ALL the produce you wish to use in cold water
(it is recommend to use a detergent solution).
3. After you wash all the lettuce, take three servings or heads of lettuce and check
it using one of the following two methods:
a. Leaf by leaf on a light box.
b. Prepare a white basin with a cold soapy solution (dishwasher soap works best
because there are no bubbles). Agitate the three servings in the water. Place the basin on
top of a light box and check the water for insects.
4. If no insects are found, all of the produce from that lot may be used without
further inspection. Please ensure that you wash o any residual detergent.
5. If any insects are found, one should repeat steps two and three above.
V. STRAWBERRIES
Strawberries are more di cult to check than lettuce. Te prevalent culprits are
mites and baby thrips or nymphs (also known as thrips larvae). Tese thrips are small
and white (but still very visible), resembling a strawberry seed but merely a quarter of the
size. Tey tend to hide either around the base of the top green area of the strawberry, or
in the crevices next to the seeds. It can take a considerable amount of time to check even
26. Tere are two reasons for this. First, Rav Aharon Kotler, ztl, paskened that since there is always reason to believe that
this lot may be from the majority that is not infested, one may take three servings and check them. If they are clean, we may
consider the rest of this lot not infested and it need not be checked. See " ' ' and " ' "
and "-" " ' " . Second, even without using a chazaka, if the sample would be divided into ten portions
and one insect is found, then the rest of the lot must be considered Matzui. Consequently, if no insects are found then the
rest of the lot may be considered Eino Matzui.
requirements may be fullled by either checking each item and removing the insects
20
or
subjecting the produce to a process that eectively removes the insects.
21

Having said this, with the increasing popularity of pre-washed bagged salads, the
time needed for preparing salads has dramatically decreased. Te question however, begs
to be asked. How can produce be eectively cleaned to a degree that avoids leaf by leaf
inspection? How can massive amounts of vegetables be processed and veried as free
from further inspection?
Before we address these questions, we need to familiarize ourselves with the facts on
the ground regarding crop dynamics.
III. FACT CHECK
Fact number one: Infestation can and does vary greatly by region, country, and
continent. Produce that may be very infested in Eretz Yisroel or other countries may not
be as infested in North America.
22
All of the information presented in this article applies
only to produce found in North American markets.
Fact number two: Crops can vary from one section of a eld to another. Tis
includes variances in taste, color and ripeness, as well as infestation. Te reason for this is
the various factors which contribute to the nished product, which include but are not
limited to sun, water, wind, and soil conditions. Tese factors can vary for each area of
the eld. An area where there is more moisture, less wind, and warmer weather is a more
inviting environment for insects. Due to these factors, farmers will generally harvest each
section of the eld separately
23
and assign unique lot numbers which follow that section
all the way through production.
24

IV. FACTORY SETTINGS
In large production facilities, head lettuces such as romaine or iceberg lettuce and
cabbage, arrive daily on large pallets, each with its own unique lot number. Te heads are
cored and topped, and the outer leaves removed, either in the eld or the washing facility.
Te lettuce is then sized and sent into a wash system, which can use either a long ume
or triple wash systems. Te lettuce is vigorously agitated and washed in 36
o
F chlorinated
(or other anti-bacterial chemical) water, and is placed on a vibrating screen to remove any
residual water. It then enters into a large spinner, which dries the lettuce more thoroughly
so it will retain shelf life. From there it is fed into a hopper, where it is packed into bags.
Star-K requires that every single lot of romaine lettuce be checked by a mashgiach
before it can be certied.
25
A large sample is taken from each lot after it is washed and is
20. " ' "'
21. " ' " '
22. One example of this is strawberries. In Eretz Yisroel, all the leading experts require peeling or soaking strawberries
for numerous extended periods of time. In North America, all that is required is soaking one time in a strong solution and
then rinsing. See Star-K guide for more detailed instructions.
23. For quality purposes.
24. Tis is a USDA requirement for traceability, in case a recall becomes necessary.
25. Te washing process is not efective enough to be able to create any sort of chazaka for cleaning romaine lettuce
properly on a consistent basis. For this reason, every lot is checked. Regarding iceberg lettuce and cabbage, however, the
industrial washing processes (at least in STAR-K certifed facilities) has consistently proven to efectively clean the lettuce
completely. Iceberg lettuce and cabbage are closed heads (as opposed to romaine, which is open) and, therefore, they are
less prone to infestation. Additionally, the leaves are much stifer and smoother, and insects tend to wash of much more
easily than on romaine. Terefore, hashgocho temidis is not needed for iceberg lettuce or cabbage.
58 59 Kitniyos By Any Other Name Product Information
No other Jewish holiday that dots the calendar is replete with more laws and
customs than Pesach. Tese dinim and minhagim shape the dimensions of the chag
into its own unique personality. Pesach oers a wide spectrum of laws and customs that
extend beyond chometz and matza. One excellent example of this is the minhag of
kitniyos.
WHAT IS KITNIYOS?
Kitniyos is popularly dened as legumes. But what are legumes? Te Shulchan
Aruch, in Orach Chaim 453, denes kitniyos as those grains that can be cooked and
baked in a fashion similar to chometz grains, yet are not halachically considered in the
same category as chometz. Some examples are rice, corn, peas, mustard seed, and all
varieties of beans (i.e. kidney, lima, garbanzo, etc.). Te Torah term for the fermentation
of barley, rye, oats, wheat, and spelt is chimutz; the term given for fermentation of
kitniyos is sirchan.
Te Bais Yosef permits kitniyos on Pesach, while the Rema rules that kitniyos are
forbidden. Hence, Jews of Sephardic descent consume kitniyos on Pesach while
Ashkenazic Jewry follows the Remas psak, which does not permit the consumption of
kitniyos on Pesach.
REASONS FOR PROHIBITION
Why are kitniyos forbidden for consumption on Pesach? Te Mishna Brura
enumerates a number of reasons. One reason is that there is a possibility that chometz
grains could be mixed amongst the kitniyos grains, creating an inadvertent yet real
chometz problem when the grains are cooked together. Another reason posited is that
if kitniyos products would be permitted, confusion within the general public could
result mistaking permitted kitniyos our and forbidden chometz our. Although these
might not be problems of epidemic proportions, the Rema considered them to be real
enough to forbid the eating of kitniyos on Pesach. Sephardim check the kitniyos grains
three times to make sure no chometz grains are intermixed within the kitniyos, and then
permit the utheir use on Pesach.
Te kitniyos restriction is not as all encompassing as chometz. One does not sell
kitniyos as he would chometz. One may derive benet from kitniyos and may use them
for non-eating purposes, such as fuel for candle lighting and heating, or for pet food. It
is important to note that in the case of medications, kitniyos restrictions are not
applicable, and pills that use corn starch as binders would be permissible for medication.
KITNIYOS DERIVATIVES
Tere is a question amongst poskim as to whether kitniyos derivatives, such as corn
oil, would be considered part of the ban and, thus, forbidden. Maybe these derivatives
could be considered a separate category, shemen kitniyos, exclusive of the kitniyos
Rabbi Tzvi Rosen, Editor Kashrus Kurrents
KITNIYOS BY ANY OTHER NAME
one strawberry. Additionally, wet strawberries are even more di cult to check since
water droplets can easily hide these insects. Fortunately, strawberry insects are
signicantly easier to remove, and if the prescribed washing method is followed correctly
no checking is necessary.
Industrially produced strawberries pose an unusual challenge. Strawberries are a
very sensitive fruit, and many companies are afraid to subject them to an aggressive
washing procedure since it may damage the fruit and reduce the quality and shelf life of
the nished product. For most companies (and the USDA), a quick rinse or mist spray
using an edible anti-bacterial solution is enough. From a kashrus perspective however,
this is far from adequate. At a recent inspection at two dierent strawberry facilities, a
40-50% infestation rate was found after the washing process was completed.
Star-K requires that strawberry companies use a washing process that agitates and
soaks the strawberries in a strong (food grade) solution.
28
Te solution is tested until
acceptable water/chemical proportions are found, and then the solution is subsequently
metered in to the wash using a computer. Tis ensures a consistently insect-free product,
without the need to check every lot.
29
Star-K recommends that consumers only purchase
retail packaged strawberries bearing the hechsher of a reliable certication that has
adequately addressed this issue. Consumers can enjoy fresh strawberries by using the
same washing method employed in an industrial setting. Te Star-K recommends
vigorously agitating the strawberries in at least two tablespoons of liquid detergent per
gallon of water, letting them soak for approximately one minute and then rinsing them o
thoroughly before eating.
30
No further checking is required.
VI. CHECKING ON SHABBOS
Tere is a Biblical prohibition of Borer, selecting, on Shabbos. Tis involves removing
any unwanted item from a mixture of other items. Tis would also include washing produce
that is subject to infestation.
31
If there is no requirement to check this item,
32
one is
permitted to wash it as long as the intent is solely for cleanliness.
33
One may however, check
produce and use it if it is found to be insect-free.
34
If an insect is found, it may not be
removed;
35
however, one may remove the insect together with a piece of the fruit.
36
Tere is much written about the tremendous rewards and holiness that we merit by
avoiding forbidden foods. May our heightened awareness of these issues bring much
Kedusha into our lives, and may we all have a chag kasher vsameach.
27. See STAR-K Guide to Checking for Insect Infestation.
28. Tis system is only used for frozen strawberries where the companies are less concerned about damaging the fruit, since they
will be frozen anyway. One company uses an alternate process utilizing brushes that scrub each berry, thereby efectively removing
all insects.
29. Tere are those who are lenient regarding pureed strawberries, due to the fact that any insects will be crushed and batul/
nullifed in the rest of the puree. Each person should consult their own rabbinic authority for guidance on relying on this lchatchila.
30. As an extra assurance, it is preferable to remove the top green area.
31. " ' ,' " ' " "
32. For instance, if it is something known to be .
33. " ' " "
34. "
35. "
36. " " "
37. (" ," ) " ," " " ' " ,' " " ' ," " '
60 61 Kitniyos By Any Other Name Product Information
not prohibit them. Te prohibition of kitniyos was limited to legumes that grew from
the ground. Since locust beans grow from a tree, by denition they do not qualify as
kitniyos.
QUINOA
Another grain that has recently entered the scene is quinoa. Quinoa (Keen-Wa)
is a seed sized kernel rst brought to the United States from Chile, and has been
cultivated in the Andes Mountains for thousands of years. Te seeds range in color
from pink and orange to blue-black, purple, and red. However, once their natural
saponin coating is washed o, the seeds appear pale yellow in color. Quinoa grows
three to six feet tall despite high altitudes, intense heat, freezing temperatures, with as
little as four inches of annual rainfall. Peru and Bolivia maintain seed banks with 1,800
types of quinoa, which was rst grown 20 years ago outside of South America. Quinoa
entrepreneurs wishing to market this grain in the United States commissioned a farmer
to see if it would grow in the Colorado Rockies - and it did. However, by and large,
quinoa is imported to the U.S. from South America.
KOSHER FOR PASSOVER STATUS
It was determined that quinoa is Kosher LPesach. It is not related to millet, rice,
the chameishes minei dagan, ve types of grain products. Quinoa is a member of the
goose foot family, which includes sugar beets and beet root. Te Star-K tested quinoa
to see if it would rise. Te result was sirchon, as termed by Chazal, which means the
quinoa decayed and did not rise. Furthermore, quinoas growth does not resemble
kitniyos, and as cited in Igros Moshe O.C. vol. 3:63, we do not consider additional
products beyond what was originally established. However, recent investigations have
found that there is a possibility that quinoa grows in proximity to certain grains and/
or is processed in facilities that compromise kosher for Passover status. Terefore,
quinoa should only be used with reliable Kosher for Passover supervision. Tis
year, the Star-K has certied quinoa that is Kosher LPesach under hashgacha temidis,
full-time supervision. For quinoa available this year please see page 87.
INGRAINED STRINGENCY
Te Mishna Brura 453 No. 13 lists two grains that should be avoided until the
last day of Pesach: anise and kimmel. Tese grains grow in close proximity to wheat
elds. Since they are di cult to clean, these strains should be avoided on Pesach. It is
di cult to pinpoint exactly what type of grain qualies as kimmel - caraway, cumin, or
fennel. All of these grains bear a marked resemblance to one another and should be
avoided. Cumin is only acceptable when the certifying agency has documented that all
chometz issues have been resolved. (Please contact Star-K for approved brands.) Of
similar concern are fenugreek and coriander. Te root and greens of these vegetables
are not kitniyos we only avoid the seeds.
Due to widespread kitniyos formations and applications, todays kosher consumer
has to be somewhat of a detective and food scientist while still being wise enough to to
consult his/her Rav or posek with any questions that may arise.
restriction. Tere are additional reservations linked to peanuts and peanut oil aand
whether peanuts are considered to be a legume i.e. kitniyos. Subsequently, peanut oil
would present less of a problem than other kitniyos oils. Due to this sfeka, compounded
doubt, Rav Moshe Feinstein ztl permitted the use of peanut oil on Pesach. Nevertheless,
most reputable kashrus agencies in the United States and Israel do not permit the use
of shemen kitniyos in their products , nor do they use peanut oil.
However, over the years products bearing a Kosher for Passover certication have
used kitniyos-derived ingredients in their Kosher for Passover products. A common
example of a kitniyos-derived product is corn syrup. Corn syrup is one of the leading
versatile sweeteners in the food industry today. It is produced through a conversion
process, whereby the white starchy of the corn kernel is converted into sugar. Tis is
typically accomplished by using hydrochloric acid and enzymes or the less commonly
used hydrochloric acid alone without the assistance of enzymes. In the corn sweetener
industry today, enzymes are a key component in the conversion process and are
commonly derived from barley, which is chometz.
What is of great halachic consequence is the halachic perception of these corn
converted products. Since the nal product is in liquid form, it was and still is
considered to be shemen kitniyos by some authorities. Other poskim posit that there is
an intrinsic dierence between classical shemen kitniyos, i.e. oil that is pressed out of the
kernel, and a liquid corn syrup converted from the starch. Te liquid is not shemen
kitniyos, it is actual kitniyos. Cottonseed and Sa ower oils with reliable Passover
certication are acceptable and are not considered kitniyos.
KITNIYOS SHENISHTANU
In todays world of modern technology, food science has found multiple applications
for kitniyos. Tese kitniyos conversions and fermentations have given rise to a new
kashrus term, kitniyos shenishtanu, kitniyos that have been transformed into a new
product. Tese converted food grade ingredients include citric acid and ascorbic acid
(that have wide food applications), NutraSweet sweetener, MSG (a avor agent in
soups and sh), sodium citrate (found in processed cheeses), and sodium erythorbate
(found in deli meats). Tese corn-based ingredients go through a multi-stage conversion
process until the nal food grade material is produced.
Tere are divergent opinions amongst poskim regarding kitniyos shenishtanu. Some
poskim say these processes alter the kitniyos status of corn into that of a neutral product.
Other poskim maintain that these products still retain their kitniyos status in spite of
the conversions.
Today, with modern food technology, dierent food additives and ingredients that
were not used in the past are now commonly used in everyday food products. A good
example is locust bean gum. It is also commonly referred to as St. Johns bread, carob
beans or bokser. Locust bean gum is used as a binder in cream cheese and juice products.
It is made from the dried seeds of the carob tree. Some people have questioned whether
or not the locust bean is included in the gezaira of kitniyos, i;, because it grows in a pod
and is similar to kitniyos in appearance. Others maintain that it was not included in the
gezaira. Since these products were not included in the original rabbinic edict, we do
62 63 Pesach Medication & Cosmetics: The Halachos & Lists Product Information
Rabbi Dovid Heber, Star-K Kashrus Administrator
PESACH MEDICATION & COSMETICS: THE HALACHOS & LISTS
For over 25 years, Rabbi Gershon Bess has prepared a Guide for Pesach
Medications and Cosmetics. Tis list has been published and distributed by Kollel
Los Angeles. Over the past ten years, STAR-K Kosher Certication in conjunction
with Kollel Los Angeles has made this list more widely available to the general public.
Tis guide, available in Jewish bookstores nationwide, has served as an important
resource to kosher consumers.
Tere are four issues that must be addressed to fully understand the list:
Te Halachos of Taking Medication on Pesach
Te Importance of the List
How the List is Prepared
Cosmetics and Toiletries
I. THE HALACHOS OF TAKING MEDICATION ON PESACH
Te following halachos are based on the psak of Rabbi Moshe Heinemann and
Rabbi Gershon Bess:
Important: No one should refrain from taking any required
medication even if it contains chometz, without rst consulting his
physician and Rav.
Note: All medications for a heart condition, diabetes, abnormal
blood pressure, stroke, kidney disease, lung disease, depression,
epilepsy, the immune system (transplant anti-rejection), and cancer
treatment (including precautionary) may be taken on Pesach.
Furthermore, all prescription medication taken on a regular basis for
chronic conditions should only be changed with the consultation of
your physician (if you can not reach your physician you should
continue to take your regular prescription and without change). Some
examples of such chronic conditions include the following: Any
psychiatric condition, prostate condition, Crohns Disease, celiac,
colitis, high cholesterol, Parkinsons Disease, anemia, Multiple
Sclerosis, thyroid condition, and asthma.
Choleh Shyaish Bo Sakana If someones life is in danger or may be in danger,
he must take any chometz medication unless an equally eective non-chometz medication
is available. One may also take chometz medication to prevent a possible sakana. Tis
is true regardless of the form of the medication (i.e. swallow tablets & caplets, capsules,
liquid & chewable tablets). Swallow tablets or caplets are preferred, if readily available.
Individuals in a sakana situation should not switch medications and should
continue with their regular prescriptions, whether or not they contain chometz (unless
a doctor advises otherwise). Examples include the following:
Someone with an infection (except for those skin infections known to be
non-life threatening, e.g. acne) should take prescribed antibiotics. One
should nish the course that is prescibed.
KITNIYOS
AND OTHER PRODUCTS CUSTOMARILY
NOT EATEN ON PESACH
NOTE: Products bearing a Star-K P on the label
do not contain kitniyos shenishtanu
(kitniyos that have been manufactured and transformed into a new product)
Anise
2
Cumin
3
Nutra Sweet
1
Ascorbic Acid
1
Dextrose Peanuts
2
Aspartame
1
Emulsiers Peas
Beans Fennel
2
Poppy Seeds
Bean Sprouts Fenugreek
2
Rice
BHA (in corn oil) Flavors (may be chometz) Sesame Seeds
BHT (in corn oil) Glucose Sodium Erythorbate
1
Buckwheat Green Beans Sorbitan
1
Calcium Ascorbate
1
Guar Gum Sorbitol
1
Canola Oil (Rapeseed) H.V.P. (possibly chometz) Soy Beans
Caraway Seeds
2
Isolated Soy Protein Stabilizers
Chickpeas Isomerized Syrup Starch (posssibly chometz)
Citric Acid
1
(possibly chometz ) Kasha (Buckwheat) String Beans
Confectioners Sugar
(possibly chometz,
possibly KFP -
look for KFP symbol)
Lecithin Sunower Seeds
Maltodextrin
1

(possibly chometz )
Tofu
Millet Vitamin C
1
Coriander
2
MSG (possibly chometz)
1
Corn Mustard Flour
1
Kitniyos shenishtanu.
2
Should be avoided on Pesach.
3
Cumin is only acceptable when the certifying agency has documented that all chometz issues have been resolved.
(Please contact Star-K for approved brands.)

Furthermore, in most cases information gathered for the list is not based on a
mashgiach inspection of the facility, but rather on information provided by the
manufacturer. Although lhalacha this information is reliable (see Section III),
nonetheless it is praiseworthy for one who has a mechush or is healthy to refrain
from taking medicinal products kderech achila (eaten in a normal manner e.g.
pleasant tasting chewable tablets or liquid) unless these items are certied for
Pesach. Tis halacha generally applies to vitamins taken to maintain good health.
II. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LIST
Te following list is important for all types of cholim on Pesach:
Choleh Shyesh Bo Sakana As indicated, l'halacha such a choleh may take
anything if a substitute is not available. Unfortunately, there are individuals who
inappropriately discontinue medication for life threatening conditions during Pesach
without consulting a physician, unless the medicine appears on an approved list. Te
list provides necessary information for consumers, ensuring that such mistakes are not
made.
Furthermore, as previously indicated, even one who is in sakana should lchatchila
use a medication that is chometz-free, if possible. Tis list provides this information.
Choleh Sheain Bo Sakana Such an individual may not consume chometz in a
normal manner but may eat kitniyos. Medicine taken by such individuals often lists
ingredients that may be derived from chometz. For example, sorbitol, a sweet calorie-
free sugar alcohol derived from glucose found in medication, mouthwash, and
toothpaste, is often derived from corn but could also come from wheat. Tere is no way
to know its source by reading the label. Rabbi Bess research conrms which products
are chometz-free, something often impossible for a Rav or choleh to ascertain on his
own.
Mechush or Bohree As indicated, such a person may take only chometz-free
and preferably kitniyos-free products. Tis list provides chometz-free information
(e.g. which aspirin or ibuprofen may be taken) and often indicates when there is no
kitniyos, as well.
Note: Except where indicated, the list does not address the kosher status of
the product, only the chometz-free status. Tis means that if a product appears on
the list it does not necessarily mean that the product is kosher. It may be non-
kosher and chometz-free. Furthermore, this article does not address the halachos
of taking medication on Shabbos and Yom Tov.
1
1
For a full discussion regarding the laws of taking non-kosher medication during the year, as well as on Shabbos
and Yom Tov, see Kashrus Kurrents article A Kashrus Guide to Medications, Vitamins, and Nutritional Supplements at
www.star-k.org or by calling our o ce.
An elderly person with the u.
A pregnant woman whose life is at risk (e.g. blood clotting disorder, toxemia)
or who is in active labor or in danger of having a miscarriage.
A woman who has given birth within the past seven days or who has
postpartum complications that are or may become life threatening. Tis may
apply for an extended period of time greater than seven days, depending upon
her condition.
Choleh Shein Bo Sakana Someone whose life is not in danger. Tis includes
anyone who is bedridden, noticeably not functioning up to par due to pain or illness, or
has a fever which is not potentially life threatening. Tis category also includes the
following:
One who suers from chronic debilitating arthritis pain.
One who suers from migraine headaches or mild depression.
A pregnant woman suering from non-life threatening complications
(e.g. lower back pain).
A woman who has given birth between 7 and 30 days prior to Yom Tov
without any known problems or sakana orwho is experiencing non-life
threatening postpartum complications. Tis may apply for an extended
period of time after 30 days.
A child under age six with any illness or discomfort.
LHalacha, such a person may swallow any tablet, caplet or capsule regardless of
whether or not it contains chometz (unless an equally eective non-chometz medicine is
available). However, where possible one should use only medications that do not
contain chometz. It should be noted that a choleh sheain bo sakana may consume kitniyos
(Mishna Brura 453:7).
All chewable pills and liquid medication may be used only if they appear on the
approved Pesach list or if one can determine that they are chometz-free. Tis is true
even if the product contains kitniyos. Non-chometz formula & nutritional products
(e.g. Ensure) which contain kitniyos are permissible for use by infants and the elderly.
Mechush (slight discomfort) or Bohree (healthy) One who is experiencing
a slight discomfort (e.g. slight joint pain or runny nose) or who is in good health may
take only products that are chometz-free and are not considered kitniyos.
If one must chew a tablet or take a liquid medication for a minor discomfort, he
may do so if it appears on the approved medication list; it should preferably be kitniyos
free. Halachically, it may be permissible to ingest a medication even if it contains kitniyos
when the kitniyos are botel brov, since shishim is not required see Mishna Brura 453:9.
It should be noted that the medication list primarily addresses the chometz-
free status, and for certain medications it does not address the issue of kitniyos
(since kitniyos is permissible for a choleh and/or is batel brov).
Since one who has a mechush or is a bohree may not consume kitniyos in a normal
fashion (i.e. chew a pleasant tasting kitniyos tablet or kitniyos liquid), one should
ascertain that the medication is not only chometz-free, but also kitniyos-free (or at least
conrm that the kitniyos is batel brov).
2. Te Biur Halacha (326:10 Bshaar) writes in the name of the Gra, that one
should be strict and not use non-kosher soap all year (sicha kishtiya). Although we are
not accustomed to this stringency, many individuals have adopted this chumra during
Pesach and do not permit the use of chometz items even if they are used externally.
3. Some are of the opinion that we do not say nifsal (food is unt for canine
consumption) applies to an item that is initially produced as a non-food item.

4. Lipstick is often inadvertently ingested when eating food. If it contains chometz,
it is halachically permissible to apply to the lips since the lipstick is unt for canine
consumption. Nevertheless, most women prefer not to consume even a trace of
anything prohibited. Te Pesach list provides chometz-free lipsticks.
5. Mouthwash and Toothpaste contain sorbitol and other ingredients which
may be derived from chometz. Although, lhalacha these items are permissible to use
since they are nifsal mayachilas kelev, many prefer not to use them as they are taken
orally. Te Pesach list provides information regarding such products.
6. Historically, it has been the custom to follow stringent opinions regarding
Hilchos Pesach. In addition, it seems to have been a prevalent custom to restrict the use
of items which may contain chometz, even when they are clearly nifsal mayachilas kelev.
Te Pesach list provides accurate information for those who wish to continue to follow
the more strict opinion and prevailing custom when using such products.
STAR-K Kosher Certication is grateful to Rabbi Gershon Bess for all of his
research, as well as Rabbi Chaim Fasman and Kollel of Los Angeles for providing this
list to a diverse group of kosher consumers who refer to this guide for reliable Pesach
information. Tis Pesach Guide has beneted many ill and conscientious comsumers
who wish to fulll the chumros dPesach. It has also assisted many rabbonim and kashrus
professionals who must answer numerous shailos regarding Pesach, thus facilitating a
Chag Kasher VSameach for countless individuals.
For the 2013 Medicines and Cosmetics Guide
and the list of chometz-free products prepared
by Rabbi Gershon Bess
see page 96.
III. HOW INFORMATION IS OBTAINED AND ON WHAT
HALACHIC BASIS
Rabbi Bess contacts the company and asks numerous questions. Information is
updated every year and is accepted only when submitted in writing. Rav Moshe
Feinstein ztl was of the opinion that one may rely on written information provided by
a company (Igros Moshe YD I:55). A medicine can also be added to the list if it only
contains ingredients that are denitively chometz free.
Tis system of review is implemented for this project only, and would not be relied
upon for products certied by STAR-K Kosher Certication and other reliable
hechsherim. When a company is certied by STAR-K, a careful review of the
formulations and factory is conducted and these halachic leniencies are not relied upon.
Furthermore, the information submitted by the company is not as detail oriented as a
formulation and factory review, and approval of a STAR-K certied product (e.g. with
avors or various other ingredients). However, with regard to approved medication,
LHalacha one may rely upon this information.
Te reason is as follows: As indicated in Igros Moshe, we consider the information
on the list to be accurate. Even if one suspects that a company provided inaccurate
information (e.g. they could not adequately determine the type of alcohol in use),
halachically there are other additional leniencies and he can rely upon the information
that is provided. These issues are beyond the scope of this article but include:
1) Dealing with a choleh, 2) According to some opinions, the taste of a medicine makes
its consumption shelo kderech achila, 3) Swallowing a tablet is certainly shelo kderech
achila, 4) A halachic rov (majority) of chometz-free sources may also apply.
One can assume there are no bal yeraeh or bal yematze (owning chometz) issues
regarding owning any medicine on the chometz-free list. Te reason is because we rely
upon information provided by the company, and even in the event that inaccurate
information was provided there is unlikely a kzayis of chometz in the product.
IV. COSMETICS
LHalacha, all non-food items not t for canine consumption (nifsal mayachilas
kelev, i.e. something that one would not feed his dog) may be used on Pesach. Tis
includes all cosmetics, soaps, ointments, and creams.
2
Nonetheless, people have acted
stringently with regard to these items.
Below are several reasons why people are strict:
1. Many products, including shaving lotion and perfume, contain denatured
alcohol which can be restored to regular alcohol. According to most opinions, one
should not use such products on Pesach. Te list notes products which do not use
chometz-based alcohols.
2
Tere are numerous halachos beyond the scope of this article regarding which personal care items and cosmetics may or
may not be used on Shabbos and Yom Tov. For a full discussion, see, Te Kashrus, Shabbos, and Pesach Guide to Cosmetics
at www.star-k.org or by calling our o ce.
68 69 Pesach Guide for Diabetics Product Information
HOW TO CALCULATE THE AMOUNT OF CARBS IN MATZA:
MACHINE MATZA: Most machine matza is uniform in size and shape. Te
portion size and carbs are listed on the box. It might be a good idea to keep the
amount that you intend to eat near your plate.
HAND MATZA: Hand matza varies according to size and thickness. Our cal-
culations use a Tzelem Pupa hand matza. In order to simplify the calculations,
we recommend that you weigh the matza before Yom Tov in order to become
accustomed to the weights and sizes.
FOR THOSE WHO PREFER TO DO THEIR OWN CALCULATION: Matza
has an average carb factor of 0.75 (75% of its weight is carbohydrates). Whole
wheat matza has almost 12 grams of dietary ber per 100 grams, allowing one
to deduct 4 grams per slice.
Hand Matza: Tere are about 10 pieces of matza per lb. (22 pieces per
kilo). Each piece weighs approximately 46g and has approximately 35 g of
carbs per matza.
Machine Matza: One whole machine matza (rectangular) weighs about
30-35g, which is between 23 and 27g of carbs per matza (depending upon
the brand).
II. THE ARBA KOSOS (FOUR CUPS)
A. WINE
CUP REQUIREMENTS:
Te cup must hold at least a reviis of wine (3.8 . oz., or 112 ml).
MINIMUM SHIUR TO DRINK TO FULFILL ARBA KOSOS:
One Must drink at least 1.9 .oz. (56 ml) for each of the four cups.
1. Tis assumes the whole matza (before it is broken) has a diameter of at least 10.5 inches, which means the entire matza
has an area of 86.6 sq. in. Hence, 1/6 of the matza equals 14.5 sq. in. Tis is the minimum shiur for someone with a medical
condition.
2. Tis assumes a full rectangular matza is 7 x 7, which means the entire matza has an area of 49 sq. in. Hence, 1/4 of the
matza equals 12.25 sq.in. (Tis also means that one could eat a piece of matza that is square, each side with a length and
width of 3.5 in. ). Tis is the minimum shiur for someone with a medical condition.
3. Tis assumes the whole matza (before it was broken) had a diameter of 10.5 in., which means the entire matza has an area
of 86.6 sq.in. Hence, l/3 of the matza is 29 sq.in.
4. Tis assumes a full rectangular matza is 7 x 7, which means the entire matza has an area of 49 sq. in. Hence, 1/2 of the
matza is 24.5 sq.in. (Tis means one could eat a piece of square matza that is 5 in. on each side.)
Adapted from Jewish Diabetes Association article by Nechama Cohen
PESACH GUIDE FOR DIABETICS
Te challenge of diabetes seems ten-fold when it comes to Pesach.
Tere are a whole new set of considerations four cups of wine at each Seder;
a many-hour wait until Shulchan Aruch; knowing the carb content of a single
hand matza.
Tese are real concerns for people with diabetes and related health issues,
who wish to fulll the requirements of Pesach al pi halacha without compromising
their health. After being inundated each year with questions of this type, the
Star-K turned to the Jewish Diabetes Association ( JDA) for answers. Te JDA
has kindly provided the following guidelines to help you prepare your matza and
wine.
I. MATZA
The stipulations for minimum shiurim for matza, which follow, are
based on the psak of Rav Moshe Heinemann shlita.
NOTE: These calculations from the Star-K are based on the use of a
Tzelem Pupa hand matza.
In the case of a medical condition, one may fulfill the mitzva of achilas
matza, including korech and afikoman with the following:
Type Minimum Shiur Dimensions Carbs
Hand matza
(round)
one-sixth (1/6)
of a matza
14.5 sq. in.
in size.
1
6 g
Machine matza
one-quarter (1/4)
of a matza
12.25 sq. in.
in size.
2
8 g
One who is in good health should eat the following for achilas matza, korech
and akoman:
Type Minimum Shiur Dimensions Carbs
Hand matza
(round)
one-third (1/3)
of a matza
29 sq. in.
3
12 g
Machine matza
one-half (1/2)
of a matza
24.5 sq. in.
4
15 g
Footnotes 1, 2, 3 and 4 see page 69.
Te following is an example of how to mix wine and water. Assume one
has a wine with 10% alcohol content. If he makes a mixture of 40% wine and
60% water, he will have wine with 4% alcohol content, which is enough for the
arba kosos. Tis can be done by mixing two cups of wine with three cups of
water. He could ll a becher that holds at least 3.8 . oz. of this wine and water
mixture, and drink at least 1.9 . oz. (the amount one may drink to fulll the
mitzva, when medically necessary). For the fourth cup, he could ask someone
else to be motzee him in the bracha achrona.
To prepare in advance, simply pour 2 cups of wine into an empty bottle
and add 3 cups of water. (Te size of the measuring cup does not matter. Just
make sure that you use the same cup for the water and the wine). It is always
advisable to prepare this bottle in advance and label it as your own SPECIAL
RESERVE.
C. TYPES OF WINE:
Te best option for the Seder would be a dry wine, which has very few carbs.
[Most dry wines contain approximately 4 grams of carbs per 8 oz. cup.] If
the sour taste bothers you, try adding an articial sweetener such as Kosher for
Passover saccharin tablets, which can be dissolved in water.
Since manufacturers do not have a legal requirement to print nutrition
facts on wine bottles, it is often hard to know exactly how many carbs a glass
of wine contains. If you are trying to nd a wine that is very low in sugar, you
can use a glucose meter before Yom Tov to test a sample. (We tested it with
a Glucometer Ascentia XL; not all meters will give accurate results). Test a
sample of the wine just as you would test a drop of blood on your meter. If the
wine you are testing is a sweet wine, your meter will give a HI reading. If it is a
dry, low-carb wine, the meter will read it as LO. Many of the dry wines will not
give a LO reading, but the numbers are a very good reference. For those who
are not accustomed to drinking high quality dry wine, it may take some time
to acquire a taste for it.
Here are some of the wines we tested for sugar content using a glucose
meter:
Wine Carbs (g per cup)
Chardonnay 25 g. 0.2% residual sugar
Cabernet Sauvignon 25 g. 0.2% residual sugar
Sauvignon Blanc from Gamla 27 g. 1.9% residual sugar
Te above wines are only examples. As you can see, sugar content from
wine to wine and bottle to bottle can range widely. Remember to test the
specic wines you are planning to use. Less expensive wines are rarely sugar-
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Te lowest percentage of alcohol that may be used for the four cups is 4%.
One should drink each of the four cups of wine within half a minute.
B. DILUTING WINE WITH GRAPE JUICE AND WATER
Wine may be diluted in the following maximum ratios; these ratios allow the
wine to retain enough of its properties to qualify it being used for the four cups:
Wine Grape Juice Water
1/3 2/3
1/3 1/3 1/3
1/3 2/3 (see NOTE below)
NOTE: Te diluted beverage should contain at least 4% alcohol to fulll
the obligation of drinking wine on at the Seder.
5
If necessary, one may make a
mixture of 2/3 water and 1/3 wine (66% water and 34% wine) as long as the
diluted amount still contains 4% alcohol. Otherwise, there is a chance that it
may no longer be considered wine for the Seder.
Te following chart illustrates how much wine to drink:
Kos
Amount you
drink
Amount of wine
after dilution
First cup 1.9 oz. 0.7 oz.
Second cup 1.9 oz. 0.7 oz.
Tird cup 1.9 oz. 0.7 oz.
Fourth cup 1.9 oz. 0.7oz.
TOTAL 7.6 oz. 2.8 oz.
If these guidelines are followed correctly, as seen in the above chart, ones
total consumption of wine at the Seder will be less than 3 . oz. One who wish-
es to estimate the actual amount that he should drink at the Seder should mea-
sure the exact amount that he will need before Yom Tov. He should choose the
becher (Kiddush cup) that he will be using at the Seder, and pour the measured
amount into it so that he can recognize how much he will be drinking.
5. Tis is to fulll the obligation of wine. If one cannot drink wine, he can fulll his obligation with grape juice. Tis will
be discussed later.
NOTE: Kedems Concord dark grape juice scored 16 grams of carbs in a 4 oz.
serving, while the labels on Kedems Sparkling Chardonnay and Catawba list
13 and 12 grams of carbs, respectively, in the same 4 oz. serving.
SUMMARY PREPARATION LIST
Remember that failing to prepare is preparing to fail. If you have every-
thing ready ahead of time, you are less likely to run into problems.
Discuss with your Rav the shiurim of rov reviis and mixing wine with
water.
Select the wine of your choice and check the carb content (remember
the meter test).
Prepare the right size becher.
Train your eye to recognize the amount that you will be drinking during
the Seder.
Mix wine with water following the instructions of your Rav and doctor,
and prepare a separate labeled bottle (Special Reserve) for this mixture.
Weigh matzos to better determine insulin doses.
Prepare your choice of glucose for treating hypoglycemia.
Review chart and details with your health care team.
Prepare all medical supplies, medications, and equipment for Yom Tov
and Shabbos lkovod Yom Tov.
Finally, remember that Pesach does not have to mean matza, potatoes, and
eggs throughout Yom Tov. Instead of high-fat soups and potato kugel, you can
substitute other vegetables and vegetable combinations.
JDA has published a cookbook, EnLITEned Kosher Cooking, with
more than 140 recipes for Pesach, along with year-round recipes that are easily
adaptable. A Hebrew version, BishuLITE, is now also available.
To order either cookbook, get more information about diabetes, or a list
of Pesach recipes from the book, visit www.jewishdiabetes.org.
III. OTHER PRODUCTS COMMONLY USED ON PASSOVER
Today we are lucky to have a much larger variety of Kosher for Pesach
products. Below we list some products with their nutrition facts.
free. Checking with the meter conrms this statement, as some inexpensive,
supposedly dry, wines actually tested HI on the meter.
IMPORTANT: Since alcohol may cause a drop in your blood sugar,
discuss with your doctor whether or not to cover the carbs in the wine with
insulin. Tere is more of a chance that wine will cause a low BG on an empty
stomach. If you use pure (unmixed) wine for the rst cup, make sure to follow
the above guidelines and not overdo your alcohol intake.
Tose with Type 2 diabetes should discuss with their health care team
and Rav whether it is better to drink wine or grape juice. According to halacha,
wine is preferable. Furthermore, grape juice with its high sugar content, is not
ideal for those with diabetes. However, many of the oral medications used for
treating Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes) are not compatible
with alcohol.
Terefore, we suggest showing the wine combination options to your
health care team. As previously noted, after the dilution, the remaining alcohol
content of all four cups is not signicant. Many health care professionals have
been very pleased with these dilution options and allow this small total amount
of alcohol even with medication.
In addition, those with gestational diabetes (diabetes in pregnancy) or
T1, or who are pregnant, should check with their health care team and Rav
to determine which way to go. Again, show them the charts in order to guide
them in their decision.
D. GRAPE JUICE
As noted above, one should use wine or, if necessary, a wine/grape juice
combination for the arba kosos. If you are unable to drink wine, you may use
grape juice instead. If due to medical reasons you are unable to drink pure
grape juice for the arba kosos (and cannot drink any percentage of wine), you
may dilute the grape juice. When mixing grape juice with water, at least 50%
of the mixture should be grape juice (i.e., the cup is half grape juice and half
water).
As suggested earlier, you may wish to prepare a special reserve mixture
before Yom Tov and ll a bottle with two full bechers of grape juice and two full
bechers of water. Tis will su ce for the arba kosos. Add more using the same
ratio as necessary. Keep in mind that as far as diabetes and carb counting are
concerned, dry wine is certainly preferable. If you drink grape juice, note that
the carbohydrate content of the various grape juices diers. Te juices that we
tested ranged from 32 to 60g of carbs per cup. Always check the label to ensure
you are consuming the least amount of carbs when combining grape juice with
wine and/or water.
Since Pesach products for the most part consist of potato starch, sugar and/or
matza meal, they are basically almost pure sugar. To ensure a healthier alterna-
tive, one should opt to make homemade snacks with fewer carbs.
6
Product/Company Serving Size Carbohydrates
Brownie Cake (Hagadda) 38g 20g
Chocolate Cake (Oberlanders) 42g 23g
Rainbow Cake (Hagadda) 28g 11g
Sponge Cake (Oberlanders) 42g 24g
Apricot Sandwich Cookies
(Hagadda)
28g 16g
Leaf Cookies (Hagadda) 33g 14g
Nut Cookies (Hagadda) 28g 11g
Raspberry Sandwich Cookies
(Hagadda)
28g 15g
Chocolate Macaroons
(Hagadda)
33g 18g
6. When baking, our recommendation is to use a combination of both ground walnuts and almonds, since walnuts are lower
in carbs. Ground almond our is available for Pesach use from DigestiveWellness.com (845-356-4557).
Common Cooking Ingredients
Food Amount Carb. (g) Calories Fat
Chocolate, roughly chopped,
72% cocoa
2 tsp 3.5 57 4.5
Bittersweet chocolate, small
squares, 72% cocoa
10 13 226 18
Baking chocolate, large squares 2 10 79 4
Chocolate chips, packaged 1 tbsp 10 75 4
Chocolate chips, packaged 1 cup 80 600 32
Cocoa 1 tbsp 3 20 1
Cocoa 1 cup 50 350 15
Eggs 1 large 0.7 101 7
Honey 1 tbsp 12 48 0
Honey cup 112 448 0
Matza meal (machine matza) 1 tbsp 8.6 5 0
Matza meal 1 cup 137.5 96 0
Oil 1 tbsp 0 9 10
Oil 1 cup 0 1440 160
Potato starch 1 tbsp 8 36 0
Potato starch 1 cup 128 576 0
Sugar 1 tbsp 15 60 0
Sugar cup 60 240 0
Sugar Substitutes
Star-K certied California Delight Brand Sucralis, Gefen brand SweetN
Low, Paskez brand Sweetie and Liebers brand Sweetees are available (when
label states Kosher for Pesach). Tere may be others, but they must have specic
Pesach supervision.
Powdered Equal, Splenda and Nutrasweet are NOT Kosher for Pesach
and may not be used.
Pesach Cookies and Cakes
Below is a partial list of the cookies and cakes that are available for Pesach. It
is probably safe to assume that similar products will have more or less the same
amount of carbohydrates, as their manufacturing processes are nearly identical.
76 77 Pet Food Product Information
PET FOOD
The following is a list of pet foods approved for Passover 2013 when
produced in the U.S. Products with identical names from foreign countries
may have different formulations, thus compromising their Passover status.
Make sure to check all labels. There should be no chometz listed. A
product listing both meat and dairy ingredients may not be used any time
during the year. (See "Feeding Your Pet: Barking Up the Right Tree" at
www.star-k.org for more information)
CATS
Before Grain (dry): Chicken, Salmon, Tuna.
Before Grain (canned): 96% Quail & Chicken, 96% Salmon, 96%
Tuna, 96% Turkey.
Blue Wilderness Grain Free (dry): Chicken, Kitten, Duck, Mature,
Salmon, Indoor, Weight Control.
Evangers: When bearing cRc Passover approval.
Friskies (canned): Special Diet Classic Pat Ocean Whitesh Dinner,
Special Diet ClassicSpecial Diet Classic Pat Ocean Whitesh Dinner,
Special Diet Classic Pat Beef & Chicken Entre, Special Diet Classic
Pat Turkey & Giblets Dinner, Special Diet Classic Pat with Salmon,
Senior Diet Classic Pat Pacic Salmon Dinner in Sauce, Classic Pat
Turkey & Giblets Dinner.
Prescription Diet: a/d, c/d (dry only), d/d (except duck), g/d (dry
only),k/d (dry only), m/d, r/d, s/d, t/d, w/d (dry only), zd.
Science Diet (dry): Adult Optimal Care Ocean Fish & Rice Recipe,
Adult Optimal Care Original, Adult Indoor, Mature Adult Indoor, Adult
Hairball Control, Mature Adult Hairball Control, Adult Oral Care, Adult
Sensitive Skin, Mature Adult Active Longevity Original, Kitten Indoor,
Kitten Healthy Development Original, Kitten Healthy Development
Ocean Fish & Rice.
Wellness Core Grain Free (dry): Original, Kitten, Turkey & Turkey
Meal & Duck, Indoor
Wellness Core Grain Free (canned): Original, Kitten Formula
Rabbi Zvi Goldberg, Star-K Kashrus Administrator
Q. Has anything changed over the past year regarding pet foods for Pesach?
A. Yes. Many of the Science Diet dog foods which had been on the Star-K
recommended list for years are reformulated and now contain chometz. On the
other hand, there has been a proliferation of grain-free dog and cat foods on the
market. While we still recommend checking the ingredient panel on those foods,
they are a good place to start your search for an appropriate food.
Q. Is it necessary to buy a new food bowl for your pet for Pesach?
A. No. However, the bowl used year-round should be thoroughly cleaned before
Pesach.
Q. If I am going away for Pesach, what should I do with my sh?
A. Vacation blocks often have chometz. One can purchase a block without chometz
or use an automatic sh feeder and ll it with non-chometz food.
Q. During a Pesach visit to the zoo, may one purchase the feed for the animals?
A. No. This feed is often chometz and should not be purchased or fed to the
animals during Pesach.
Q. Must pet food with chometz be put away and sold before Pesach?
A. Yes.
Q. Can kitniyos, legumes such as rice and beans, be fed to animals on Pesach?
A. Yes.
Q. What are some common chometz ingredients in pet food?
A. Wheat (cracked, our, germ, gluten, ground, grouts, middlings, starch), barley
(cracked, our), oats (our, grouts, hulled), pasta, rye, and brewers dried yeast.
Any questionable ingredient should be reviewed by a competent rabbinic authority.
Q. What are some common ingredients which may be kitniyos but are permitted
in pet food?
A. Beans, buckwheat, brewers rice, corn, grain sorghum (milo), millet, peanuts,
peas, rice, safower, sesame, soybeans, soy our, and sunower.
Q. Is pet food with gravy permitted?
A. Most often gravy contains chometz. Read the ingredient panel carefully.
Q. Are the vitamins or minerals in pet food chometz?
A. They may be chometz, but are batel (nullied) due to the small amount added.
PESACH FAQS REGARDING PETS
78 79 Pet Food Product Information
PET FOOD ...continued
HAMSTERS, GUINEA PIGS, GERBILS & RABBITS
Best to feed pure alfalfa pellets. Make sure it is pure alfalfa since it is
common to add grains. Dried alfalfa may also be given.
Can supplement with mixture of cut-up fruits and vegetables carrots,
broccoli, grapes, apples, melon, kale, parsley, oranges, celery, dry
corn, sunower seeds, cabbage. Can also give some matza. If not
accustomed to these items, give sparingly.
Guinea pigs especially will benet from kale, parsley and oranges.
Hamsters especially will benet from apples.
Guinea pigs need vitamin C added to diet.
Mixes sold in stores often contain chometz. It is advisable to mix together
regular and Pesach food between one to two weeks prior Pesach before
switching completely to Pesach food. The ratio of regular and Pesach
food should be changed slowly to get the animal used to the new diet.
Check with your veterinarian before changing diet.
Star-K expresses appreciation to Dr. Aaron Weissberg for his help in
preparing the following guidelines.
BIRDS (PARROTS, PARAKEETS, COCKATIELS, MACAWS)
Millet and sorghum as main diet.
Peanuts, sunower seeds, and safower seeds can be given.
Larger birds such as parrots can eat pure alfalfa pellets (make sure it
is pure alfalfa since it is common to add grains) or dry dog food (see
above for list).
Smaller birds can also have pure alfalfa pellets, crush before feeding.
Can supplement with sliced grapes, cottage cheese, rice cakes (birds
like these), small pieces of lean meat, matza, berries, eggs, canned
baby fruits. All large food should be shredded before serving. These
items should be given sparingly.
For minerals, can have oyster shells (calcium) or mineral block.
The greater the variety the better.
PET FOOD
FISH
Fish food and vacation blocks often contain chometz. Tetra Tropical
Slow Release Gel Feeders (Tetra Weekend 5 days, and Tetra Vacation
14 days) are chometz free. Goldsh and Tropical sh can be given
tubular worms, frozen brine shrimp, and freeze dried worms (if they do
not contain llers).
DOGS
Blue Freedom Grain Free(dry): Adult Natural Chicken
Blue Freedom Grain Free (canned): Natural Chicken Recipe (Dogs,
Puppies, Small Breed Dogs)
Blue Wilderness Grain Free (dry): Chicken Recipe, Small Breed,
Salmon, Duck, Puppy, Senior, Healthy Weight
Blue Wilderness Grain Free (canned): Salmon & Chicken Grill,
Turkey & Chicken Grill, Duck & Chicken Grill
Evangers: When bearing cRc Passover approval.
Mighty Dog: (canned no gravy): Chicken Egg & Bacon Country Platter,
Chicken & Smoked Bacon Combo, Hearty Beef Dinner with Lamb and Rice.
Prescription Diet: a/d, c/d, d/d g/d, h/d, j/d (dry only), k/d, n/d,
r/d, s/d, t/d, u/d. w/d (dry only).
Science Diet (dry): Adult Oral Care, Ideal Balance Grain Free Adult
Chicken & Potato .
Science Diet (canned): Adult Light with Liver, Small & Toy Adult Light
with Liver
Wellness Core Grain Free (dry): Original, Reduced Fat, Ocean, Puppy.
Wellness Core Grain Free (canned): Puppy, Turkey & Chicken Liver
&Turkey Liver, Salmon, Whitesh & Herring
PET STORES WHERE CHOMETZ PET FOOD
MAY BE BOUGHT AFTER PESACH
Petco Petsmart
80 81 Star-K 2013 Pesach Product Directory Product Information
ALCOHOL
Any isopropyl alcohol may be used for external use.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Imperian a(NPSR)
Plum Brandy
Quince Brandy
Raspberry Brandy
Williams Pear Brandy
Markovic Estate a(NPSR)
Plum Brandy
Quince Brandy
Raspberry Brandy
Williams Pear Brandy
Vinprom-Troyan a(NPSR)
Apple Brandy
Apricot Brandy
Pear Brandy
Plum Brandy
ALMOND MILK
Liebers KFP
Almond Milk
If the above product is not readily available, the
following almond milk brands may be used under the
following conditions: 1) Original only; 2) Person is ill or
has dietary restrictions and 3) Ideally purchased before
Pesach: Shop Rite, 365 Everyday Value, Kroger, Meijer,
Ralphs, Trader Joe's, Winn-Dixie, Price Chopper. (NPSR)
ALUMINUM FOIL PRODUCTS
All disposable foil products may be used.
AMMONIA All
APPLE JUICE See Juices
APPLE SAUCE
Ungers aP
Shneiders aP
Original
Cinnamon
Strawberry
BABY BOTTLE
Since it comes into contact with chometz (e.g. washed
with dishes, boiled in chometz pot), new ones should be
purchased.
BABY CEREAL
All baby food and cereals require reliable KFP
certication. Year-round baby rice cereal is not
acceptable because it is made on Chometz equipment.
(For alternative baby cereal options, see page 185)
BABY FOOD
First Choice KFP
Apple Sauce
Carrots
Sweet Potato
NOTE: All brands of baby food require reliable KFP
certication.
BABY FORMULA See Baby/Childrens
Products section pg. 101
BABY POWDER
All may be used for external use.
BABY WIPES
Any without alcohol may be used (except on Shabbos
and Yom Tov).
BAKERY PRODUCTS
Nahum Bakery aP
Zeldas Sweet Shoppe aP
BAKING POWDER Requires KFP certication
BAKING SODA All
BALLOONS Any without powder.
BAND-AIDS All
BATH TREATMENT
Aveeno, Rainbow Light, Dr. Teal's, and Wild Carrot
Herbals Oatmeal Bath Treatment are made of oatmeal
which is real edible chometz. They must be sold or
disposed of before Pesach.
BLEACH All
BLUSH/ROUGE, Powdered - All
BORSCHT
Ungers aP
BUTCHERS See Meat sections
CANDY & CONFECTIONS
See also Gift Baskets section
The Candy Store (Balt., MD) only in KFP area of store
21st Century aP
CATERERS
Quality Kosher aP (Southeld, MI)
CHARCOAL BRIQUETS
Any (including avored)
CLEANSERS See Detergents, Cleansers
COCOA Any domestically produced 100% pure
cocoa may be used.
COFFEE, PACKAGED
The following packaged coffees are Kosher for Passover
even without additional Passover symbol (unless
otherwise indicated):
Better Value Reg Unav Ground
Chock Full O Nuts Reg Unav Ground
Corim aP required Reg & Decaf Unav Ground
Ellis - Reg & Decaf Unav Ground
Folgers Reg Unav Instant
Gevalia KFP symbol required
Gillies aP required Reg & Decaf Unav Ground
Products are Kosher for Passover only when the indicated conditions are
met. Use the following key:
aP Product is certied for Passover only when bearing the aP
symbol or a Kosher for Passover symbol/sign/label.
a(NPSR) Product is certied for Passover when bearing the a symbol.
No additional Kosher for Passover statement or P is
necessary.
a(NSR) Product is certied for Passover by the Star-K. No Star-K
symbol is required.
KFP Kosher for Passover or P required next to kosher certication
symbol.
NPSR Product is certied for Passover when bearing kosher symbol
of the certifying agency. No additional Kosher for Passover
statement or P is necessary.
Packaged dairy products certied by Star-K are Cholov Yisroel (CY).
Products bearing a Star-K P on the label do not use any ingredients derived
from kitniyos (including kitniyos shenishtanu).
Agricultural products listed as being acceptable without certication do
not require a hechsher when grown in chutz laretz (outside the land of Israel).
However, these products must have a reliable certication when coming
from Israel.
Various products that are not t for canine consumption may halachically
be used on Pesach even if they contain chometz, although some are
stringent in this regard. As indicated below, all brands of such products
are approved for use on Pesach. For a further discussion regarding this
issue, see page 66 section IV.
Note: Amway homecare products listed in this guide are approved for
Passover only when distributed in North America.
GUIDELINES
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
STAR-K 2013 PESACH PRODUCT DIRECTORY

Dawn (reg,ultra)
Ivory Ultra
Joy (reg,ultra)
Palmolive (reg, ultra)
Spring Sensation
DETERGENTS, LAUNDRY Powder
Any with reliable kosher certication may be used on Passover.
DETERGENTS, LAUNDRY Liquid
The following may be used without any additional
Passover symbol.
Bold
Cheer
Dreft
Dynamo
Era
Gain
Ivory Snow
Tide
EGGS
Should be purchased before Passover. Since chicken feed
contains chometz, it is customary not to eat eggs that were
laid on Passover.
FACE POWDER All
FINGER PAINTS See Glue
FISH PRODUCTS
California Delight aP
Tuna, Canned
Benzs aP
Tuna, Canned
Levittown Fish
Raw Fresh Fish sealed with a tape & signature of
mashgiach. (No Passover symbol required)
Warbucks a(NPSR)
Kosher Bown Caviar
FISH, FROZEN GEFILTE
BenZs aP
Classic Original (reg, sugar free, twin pack)
FISH, FROZEN RAW
Frozen raw sh, with no added ingredients, bearing
reliable kosher certication does not have Pesach concerns.
[Exception Individual vacuum-packed frozen salmon
pieces should be used with KFP certication only.]
FISH STORE/COUNTER
7 Seas Fish Dept at Seven Mile Market
Raw Fresh Fish aP
Shlomos Meat Market (Baltimore, MD)
Raw Fresh Fish a(NPSR)
FRUIT, CANNED
Mandarin Oranges
Pineapple
Tropical Fruit Cocktail
Ungers aP
Pears
Pineapple
FRUIT, DRIED-See also Raisins
21
st
Century aP
Assorted Dried Fruit
Figsan/Elephant aP
Figs
Great Lakes aP
Apricots
Figs
Sundried Tomatoes
Gocmez aP
Apricots
Happy Apricots a(NPSR)
Whole Apricots
Lowveld a(NPSR)
Apricots
Banana
Figs
Guava
Mango
Peaches
Pure Foods aP
Semi-dried Tomatoes
Sundried Tomatoes
Sunrise aP
Semi-dried Tomatoes
Sundried Tomatoes
Safe Foods aP
Apricots
Sindh Punjab aP
Dates
Tootsie aP
Sundried Tomatoes
Valued Naturals aP
Apricots
Prunes
Shredded Coconut
Zee-Net Foods aP
Sundried Tomatoes
FRUIT, FRESH PRE-CUT
The following companies make a variety of fresh fruit products
which may be used for Passover when bearing the aP.
Del Monte aP
Delish a(NPSR)
Fresh Express aP
Fresh Garden Highway a(NPSR)
Garden Highway a(NPSR)
Price Choppers aP
The Farmers Market aP
Wegmans DM aP
Great Value - Reg Unav Ground
Hena Reg & Decaf Unav Ground
Kobricks aP required Reg & Decaf Unav Ground
Maxwell House KFP symbol required
Mr. Coffee Reg Unav Ground
Market Pantry Reg Unav Ground
Sanka Decaf Unav Instant- KFP symbol required
Shoprite Reg Unav Ground
Tasters Choice Reg Unav Instant
Trader Joes Reg Unav Ground
Venizelos a(NPSR) Reg Unav Ground
Wegmans Reg Unav Ground
Weis Reg Unav Ground
White House Reg & Decaf Unav Ground
COFFEE SUBSTITUTE (e.g. Postum)
These products often contain chometz and should be sold
before Pesach.
COFFEE WHITENER/CREAMER
Ungers aP
COMMUNITY FOOD SERVICES
(Baltimore Area)
Franklin & Marshall College (Lancaster, PA)
Limited to kosher dining area displaying aP sign
Johns Hopkins Hillel
Limited to Kosher dining area displaying KFP sign
Levindale
All patient services are Kosher for Passover
Sinai Hospital
Kosher patient services are Kosher for Passover
Tudor Heights
Meat dining aP; Dairy dining P
CONTACT LENS SOLUTION All
DAIRY PRODUCTS
Ko-Sure aP
Instant Hot Cocoa Mix (reg.)
Pride of the FarmaP
Chocolate Milk
Cream
Ice Cream (chocolate, vanilla)
Milk (lowfat, skim, whole)
Seven Mile Market (Baltimore, MD)
Dairy Dept. aP sign/label
Susan Gourmet aP
Mozzarella Cheese
String Cheese
String Marinated Cheese
Syrian Cheese
SY Foods aP
Curd Cheese
Ricotta Cheese
DELICATESSEN, Store/Counter
See Meat - Delicatessen Store/Counter
DENTAL FLOSS/PRE-THREADED
Any unavored (waxed or unwaxed) may be used.
DEODORANTS/ANTIPERSPIRANTS
All powder and solid stick powder may be used. (For
cream, gel, roll-on, or spray forms, see page 107).
DESSERTS, FROZEN
Pride of the Farm aP
Ice Cream (chocolate, vanilla)
DESSERTS, KOSHER GELATIN
Simply Delish aP
Orange Natural Jell
Peach Natural Jell
Raspberry Natural Jell
Strawberry Natural Jell
DETERGENTS, CLEANSERS
Passover symbol.
Ajax
Amway a(NSR)
Bus. to Bus. Solutions Heavy Duty Degreaser
Bus. to Bus. Solutions Multi-Surface Clnr
L.O.C. Multi-Purpose Clnr
L.O.C. Plus Glass Clnr
L.O.C. Plus Kitchen Clnr
L.O.C. Plus Metal Clnr
Pursue Disinfectant Clnr
Zoom Spray Cleaner Conc.
Clorox
D-Grease Oven cleaner
Degreaser Oven clnr
Lysol
Formula 409 Deep Cleaning
Melaleuca a(NPSR)
MelaMagic Heavy-Duty Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Tub & Tender Concentrate
Tub & Tile Bathroom Cleaner
Mr. Clean
Murphy Oil Soap
Pine-Sol Multi Surface clnr
Shaklee a(NPSR)
Basic G
Conc. Germicide
Basic H
Conc. Organic Clnr

Get Clean
TM
Basic-H2
Organic Super Cleaning Conc

Get Clean
TM
Basic-H2
Organic Super Cleaning Wipes

Get Clean
TM
Scour Off
Heavy Duty Paste

DETERGENTS, DISHWASHING
Passover symbol.
Ajax
Amway a(NSR)
Bus. to Bus. Solutions Auto. Dishwashing Pwdr
Dish Drops Concentrate Dishwashing Liquid
Cascade
BEFORE Pesach. This product is not Cholov Yisroel.
MATZA
All Matza requires reliable KFP certication.
Lakewood Matzoh Bakery aP
Hand Shmura Matzoh, Wheat
Hand Shmura Matzoh, Whole Wheat
MATZA, EGG
Matza made with fruit juice or eggs, which include
Kosher for Passover Egg Matzos, Egg Matza Crackers
& Passover Tam Tams, may not be eaten on Pesach,
according to Ashkenazic practice, except by the sick
or elderly who cannot eat regular Matza, and have
consulted with their Rav. Please note: Even the sick and
elderly cannot fulll the obligation to eat Matza at the
Seder with these types of Matzos.
MATZA, OAT Gluten Free, Yoshon Shmura Matzos
Lakewood Matzoh Bakery KFP
Kestenbaum KFP
Contact Mrs. K. Beleck 410-358-9580
oatmatza@gmail.com
MAYONNAISE
BenZs aP
Ungers aP
MEATDELICATESSEN STORE/
COUNTER
Glatt Mart (Brooklyn, NY Ave. M)
Only packaged products with aP
Seven Mile Market aP sign/label (Balt., MD)
Shlomos Meat Market aP sign (Balt., MD)
Wasserman & Lemberger aP sign (Balt., MD)
MEAT & POULTRY, Packaged
Fresh raw meat and poultry bearing reliable kosher
certication may be used on Passover. Consumers should
be aware that raw hamburgers may have additives and
are urged to verify before use.
MILK
In areas where Kosher for Passover milk is not available,
milk should be purchased before Passover. However,
be sure to ascertain that the dairy does not pasteurize
chometz items, e.g. malt avored chocolate drink, on its
equipment. The following product is Star-K certied for
Passover when bearing the aP symbol.
MINERAL OIL All
NAIL POLISH All
NAIL POLISH REMOVER - All
NUTS
Raw, Whole or Chopped Nuts (e.g. Almonds, Pine Nuts,
Walnuts, etc.) without preservatives or other additives
such as BHT or BHA in corn oil, are approved for Passover.
If label states that it is processed in a plant that processes
kitniyos or chometz, then it requires a reliable KFP
certication. Note: Many consider peanuts as kitniyos
which are not permissible on Pesach. Also, dry roasted
nuts and ground nuts require reliable KFP certication.
Whole pecans do not require KFP certication, however,
pecan pieces and midget pecans must bear a KFP symbol.
The following are certied for Passover by the Star-K.
21
st
Century aP
Assorted Nuts
Agrimac a(NPSR)
Macadamia Nuts
Allmac a(NPSR)
Hazelnuts
Macadamia Nuts
Atlas Walnut a(NPSR)
Walnuts
Blain Farms a(NPSR)
Pecans
Walnuts
Cascade a(NPSR)
Hazelnuts
Macadamia Nuts
Galil aP
Roasted Chestnuts
Poindexter Nut a(NPSR)
Walnuts
Suncoast Gold a(NPSR)
Macadamia Nuts
Valued Natural's aP
Almonds
Brazil Nuts
Fire-Roasted Almonds
Pistachios
Walnuts
OIL/OLIVE
Aicha a P
Extra Virgin
Bella Vina a(NPSR)
Extra Virgin
Cochav Habit a(NPSR)
Extra Virgin
Casa Di Oliva a(NPSR)
Extra Virgin
Organic Extra Virgin
Giannoulis a(NPSR)
Extra Virgin
Liohori a(NPSR)
Extra Virgin
Lucini aP
Extra Virgin
Milas Olio a(NPSR)
Extra Virgin
Oliovita aP
Virgin
Extra Virgin
Winn Dixie a (NPSR)
World Foods a(NPSR)
FRUIT, FROZEN
All frozen unsweetened additive free (without syrup,
citric acid, ascorbic acid, or vitamin C), whole, sliced or
formed fruit may be used. The above applies to frozen
fruits that do not have an issue with insect infestation,
such as sliced peaches, melon balls, blueberries and
cranberries.
However, frozen fruit including strawberries that may
be infested may only be used year-round including
Pesach when bearing an approved Kashrus symbol. No
additional Passover symbol is required.
Fairmont aP
Strawberries (cups, in polybags)
GIFT BASKETS/PLATTERS
21
st
Century aP (Ronkonkoma, NY)
Chocolate Emporium aP (Cleveland, OH)
Sweet Occasions aP (Monsey, NY)
The Candy Store aP (Baltimore, MD)
GLOVES, RUBBER (Latex)
All without inner powder coating may be used. If label
is not marked, turn glove inside out and rub on dark
clothing. Check for powder. If contains powder do not use
near food.
GLUE All Krazy Glue, Elmers and Ross Glue products
are made of synthetic ingredients and may be used on
Pesach. Note: Elmers & Ross Finger Paints may contain
chometz and should be sold before Pesach. Yamato
Sticking Paste, Lineco Starch Paste, and Nori Hinging Paste
contain chometz and should be sold before Pesach.
GRAINS
The following grains (whole grains only) may be
used on Passover. Purchase from manufacturers that do
not process chometz grains. Consumers are required to
carefully check grains BEFORE PESACH for extraneous
matter.
Flax
Hemp
GRAPE JUICE See Juices
HONEY All honey requires KFP Certication
HORSERADISH
BenZs aP
Noam Gourmet aP
HOTELS
Pearlstone Conf. & Retreat Center aP
(Baltimore, MD)
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE All
ICE All plain-water bagged ice may be used.
ICE CREAM/ICES See Desserts, Frozen
INSECT/RODENT TRAPS
Baits may contain chometz and should be put away with
the chometz. All insecticide sprays may be used.
INFANT FORMULAS
Materna Brand infant formula from Israel, is available
in some markets in the USA and is Kosher for Passover
when stating Kosher LPesach on the label. Consult your
doctor before changing infant formula. Additional
chometz free infant formulas can be found on page 101
JUICES/FRUIT DRINKS
All fresh juices require KFP.
Ceres aP
Apple Berry Cherry Juice
Apricot Juice
Cranberry Kiwi Juice
Granadilla/Passion Fruit Juice
Grape Juice
Guava Juice
Litchi Juice
Mango Juice
Medley of Fruit Juice
Orange Juice
Papaya Juice
Peach Juice
Pear Juice
Pineapple Juice
Pomegranate Lime Juice
Red Grape Juice
Ruby Grapefruit Juice
Secrets of the Valley Juice
Strawberry Juice
Whispers of Summer Juice
White Grape Juice
Youngberry Juice
Trader Joes aP
Pomegranate Lime Flavored Juice Blend
Tropical Fruit Flavored Juice Blend
Orange Juice
JUICES, FROZEN
Any 100% pure White Grapefruit or Orange frozen
juices without sweeteners, additives, preservatives or
enrichments (e.g. calcium) added, may be used. All other
frozen juice products require reliable KFP certication.
JUICES, LEMON
ReaLemon Juice, liquid (NPSR)
KETCHUP
Ungers aP
KISHKE, PAREVE
BenZs aP
Quality/Ungers aP
KNISHES & KUGELS See Prepared Foods
LACTAID
Caplets may contain chometz and may not be used on
Pesach. Lactaid Milk may be used on Pesach if purchased
Paper Chef a(NPSR)
The Pampered Chef a(NPSR)
Qualite a(NPSR)
Serla/Saga a(NPSR)
Sunset a(NPSR)
Sunshine Industries a(NPSR)
Wilton a(NPSR)
PICKLED PRODUCTS
Ungers aP
Gherkins
Pickle Chips
Half Sour Pickles
PLASTIC See Paper/Plastic Disposables
PLAY-DOH
Contains chometz and should be sold before Pesach.
POLISH, FURNITURE
All may be used. The following product is certied for Passover
by the Star-K without any additional Passover symbol.
Melaleuca a(NPSR)
Rustic Touch
POLISH, SHOE All
POLISH, SILVER/METAL
Passover symbol.
Goddards
Brass & Copper Cleaner
Long Shine Brass & Copper Polish
Long Shine Silver Foam
Long Shine Silver Polish
Silver Dip
Hagerty
Coppersmiths Polish
Dry Silver Polish
Flatware Silver Dip
Heavy Duty Copper Polish
Pewter Wash
Silver Cleaning Products
Silversmiths Products
Stainless Steel Polish
Stainless Steel Polish Wash
Weiman
Metal Polish
Silver Cream
Silver Polish
Weiman Royal Sterling
Silver Cream Polish
Wrights
Brass Polish
Instant Tarnish Remover
Silver Cream
Silver Polish
POULTRY See Meat & Poultry
PREPARED FOODS
Classic Cooking aP
Matza Balls
Sweet Tzimus
Assorted Kugels, Soufes & Soups
Classic Light & Luscious aP
Broccoli Vegetable Quiche
Butternut Squash Vegetable Quiche
Harvest Vegetable Vegetable Quiche
Spinach Vegetable Quiche
Zucchini Vegetable Quiche
Glatt Mart (Brooklyn,NY-Ave. M)
Only packaged products with aP
Mauzone aP
Matza Balls
Sweet Tzimmes
Assorted Kugels, Salad Dessings, Soufes & Soups
Oasis Classic Cuisine aP
Fattouch Salad
Oasis Mediterranean Cuisine aP
Bruschetta
Button Mushroom Salad
Coleslaw With Mayonnaise
Coleslaw Without Mayonnaise
Cucumber Carrot Salad
Cucumber Salad
Egg Salad
Fattouch Salad
Potato Salad
Prince Omar aP
Fattouch Salad
Superior Quality Foods aP
Kosher Better than Bouillon Chicken Base
Kosher Better than Bouillon Vegetable Base
Seven Mile Market aP sign/label (Balt., MD)
PREPARED FOODS, FROZEN
Noam Gourmet aP
Passover Bagels
Passover Pizza Bagels
QUINOA
Quinoa is Kosher L'Pesach and is not related to the ve
types of chometz grains, millet or rice. However, because
there is a possibility that quinoa grows in proximity
to chometz grains and is processed in facilities that
compromise its Kosher for Passover status, quinoa should
only be accepted with a reliable Kosher for Passover
supervision. See page 52 of this guide, and www.star-k.
org/quinoa for more information.
The following products are Kosher for Passover when
bearing Star-K symbol and stating Kosher for Passover.
Ancient Harvest
Organic Quinoa 12 oz. boxes. aP. For a list of locations
where this can be purchased, please visit www.quinoa.net.
Original Gourmet a(NPSR)
Extra Virgin
Pena de Martos aP
Extra Virgin
Pirolio a(NPSR)
Extra Virgin
Palermo a(NPSR)
Extra Virgin
Pompeian-Marca Roja a(NPSR)
Extra Virgin
Primanova aP
Extra Virgin
Ribeiro Sanches a(NPSR)
Extra Virgin
Romanza a(NPSR)
Extra Virgin
Solfrut aP
Extra Virgin
Tuccioliva aP
Extra Virgin
Tomer aP
Extra Virgin
San Amador aP
Extra Virgin
Valterra aP
Extra Virgin
Volubilis aP
Extra Virgin
Winn Dixie a(NPSR)
Extra Virgin
Zayit aP
Extra Virgin
Zoe a(NPSR)
Extra Virgin
ORANGE JUICE See Juices/Fruit Drinks
See Juices, Frozen
ORTHODONTIC RUBBER BANDS
Rinse well with cold water before Pesach.
OVEN CLEANER
The following may be used without any Passover symbol.
Cook Top Cleaning Creme
Easy Off
Shaklee a(NPSR)
Get Clean Scour Off Heavy Duty Paste
PAPER/PLASTIC DISPOSABLES
Aluminum Foil Products
All disposable foil products may be used.
Bags, Paper For cold use only.
Bags, Plastic All
Coffee Filters, Paper All
Crockpot Liners All
Cupcake Holders, Foil All
Cupcake Holders/Baking Cups, Paper
Requires year round certification as they may be
coated with non-kosher releasing agents. May also
contain starch therefore requires KFP symbol. The
following are certied by the Star-K:
Georgia Pacic/Dixie a(NPSR)
Paperchef a(NPSR)
If You Care aP
Cups, Waxed Paper For cold use only.
Cups, Plastic Coated Paper For cold use only.
Cutlery, Plastic All
Paper Napkins All
Paper Towel Rolls
Any brand may be used in the following manner: The
rst three sheets and the last sheet attached to the
cardboard should not come into direct contact with
food since a corn starch based glue may be used. The
rest of the roll may be used with hot or cold.
Plastic Wraps All
Plates, Paper Should not be used on Pesach without KFP.
Plates, Plastic All
Plates, Plastic Coated Paper For cold use only.
Styrofoam Plates & Cups
The problems associated with styrofoam are not a
Pesach issue. They may contain ingredients that are
non-kosher, however, they are free of chometz. Those
who use styrofoam year-round may use it on Pesach.
Tablecloths
All clear plastic, non-powdered, may be used. (Even
for those that are pre-cut, ensure that the plastics are
not attached to avoid Shabbos & Yom Tov problems.)
PARCHMENT PAPER/PANLINERS
Beyond Gourmet a(NPSR)
Bake-o-matic a(NPSR)
Brown Paper Goods a(NPSR)
Companions a(NPSR)
D&W Finepack a(NPSR)
Handy Wacks a(NPSR)
Master Baker a(NPSR)
First Mark a(NPSR)
First Value a(NPSR)
Georgia Pacic/Dixie a(NPSR)
Hercules a(NPSR)
If You Care aP
McNairn a(NPSR))
Monogram a(NPSR)
Norpak a(NPSR)
Palisades Packaging a(NPSR)
Papercon a(NPSR)
TEA, INSTANT
The following tea may be used without any additional
Passover symbol:
Nestea Reg Unav, Decaf Unav
TEA BAGS
Note: The following tea bags may be used without any
additional Passover symbol.
Acme Reg Unav
Americas Choice Reg Unav
Giant Reg Unav
Jewel Reg Unav
Key Food Reg Unav
Lipton Reg Unav, Decaf Unav
Market Pantry Reg Unav
Price Chopper Reg Unav
Safeway Reg Unav
Shop Rite Reg Unav
Stop & Shop Reg Unav
Tetley Reg Unav
TUNA
BenZs aP
VEGETABLES, CANNED/JARRED
Aicha aP
Trufe Mushrooms
Benzs aP
Mushrooms
Artichoke Bottoms
Bamboo Shoots
Hearts of Palm
Mushrooms
Water Chestnuts
White Potatoes
Yams
Ungers aP
Mushrooms
Peppers (hot,sweet)
VEG./CARROTS, FRESH PEELED
Fresh peeled carrots whole, cut or shredded require KFP
certication. The following are certied for Passover by
the Star-K.
Coosemans aP
Del Monte aP
Dole aP
Wegmans aP
VEG./OTHER, FRESH PEELED
Americas Choice aP
Baby Zuchinni
Squash
Coosemans aP
Squash
Del Monte aP
Butternut Squash
Yellow Squash
Zuchinni
Green Way aP
Baby Zuchinni
Squash
The Farmers Market aP
Butternut Squash
Yams
VEG./POTATOES, FRESH PEELED
Fresh peeled potatoes require KFP certication.
VEG./SALADS, FRESH PKGD.
All fresh packaged salads certied by the STAR-K are
Kosher for Passover only when bearing the aP symbol.
VEGETABLES, FROZEN
Requires reliable KFP certication.
VINEGAR
Requires reliable KFP certification. The following are
certified by the STAR-K.
Acetum aNPSR
Balsamic Vinegar
Mega Retail aNPSR
Balsamic Vinegar
Roland aNPSR
Balsamic Vinegar
Ungers aP
White Vinegar
WATER
Any fresh, bottled, spring or distilled water that is
unavored may be used (including those with uoride
or minerals).
WAX PAPER
Note: The following wax paper may be used without any
additional Passover symbol.
Cut Rite
Essential Everyday
Home Life
Life Brand
Master Wrap
Meijer
Publix
Reynolds
Shop Rite
Stop & Shop
Weis
WHIPPED TOPPING
Unger's aP
WINE
Requires reliable KFP certication.
Sentieri Ebraici aP
Azaria Red Wine, (non-mevushal)
Del Vecchio Red Wine, (non-mevushal)
Dona Gracia White Wine, (non-mevushal)
Gioia Sparkling Wine, (non-mevushal)
Natural Earth Products
Organic Quinoa 16 oz boxes aP
Andean Naturals - 55 lb. Bags aP
Lot # : SCI-JI-100725-6/12-10-12 or
SCI-JI-100725-7/12-11-12
Contact: sergio_nunez@andeannaturals.com
(888) 547-9777 ext. 711
www.andeannaturals.com
Quinoa Corp. - Ancient Harvest - 50 lb. Bags aP
Lot #: AV427 or AV428
www.quinoa.net
RAISINS
The following raisins are approved for use on Pesach
provided that "oil" does not appear in the ingredient panel.
Berkley & Jensen (NPSR)
Shoprite (NPSR)
Trader Joes (NPSR)
Weis (NPSR)
RESTAURANTS
Caf Shalom KFP (Baltimore, MD)
Levindales Kosher Cafeteria KFP
(Baltimore, MD limited menu)
Pearlstone Conference & Retreat Ctr aP
(Baltimore, MD advance reservation required)
RICE MILK See Soy Milk
SALADS See Veg./Salads, Fresh Pkgd.
SALAD DRESSING
Mauzone aP
Caesar Dressing
Creamy Italian Dressing
Ranch Dressing
Gourmet by Dina aP
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Basil Dressing
Caesar Dressing
Classic Cooking aP
Coleslaw Dressing
Creamy Italian Dressing
Ranch Dressing
SALT
All brands of non-iodized salt that do not contain dextrose
or polysorbates may be used (if it contains sodium silicate
it is not a problem). The following are certied by the
STAR-K.
Natural Nectar a(NPSR)
Sea Salt (Coarse, Fine)
Natural Tides a(NPSR)
Sea Salt (Coarse, Fine)
Trader JoesaP
Sea Salt
Whole Foods a(NPSR)
Sea Salt
SAUCES/DIPS
Ungers aP
Barbeque Sauce
Chicken Sauce
Duck Sauce
Rib Sauce
Salsa
Tomato Sauce
SCOURING PADS/SPONGES
Any without soap may be used.
SELTZER
Any unavored seltzer may be used. All avored seltzers
require KFP certication.
SILVER/METAL POLISH See Polish
SOFT DRINKS
Note: The following information applies to the Baltimore/
Washington area only. Consumers in other cities should
obtain soda information from their local Vaad HaKashrus.
Coca Cola KFP (OUP on bottlecap)
Classic Coke
Diet Coke
Pepsi KFP (KP on bottlecap)
Pepsi Cola (regular) 2 Liter
Diet Pepsi 2 Liter
SOY MILK and RICE MILK
Soy Milk and Rice Milk are kitniyos and possibly contain
chometz. Under normal circumstances one may not
consume them on Pesach. The following soy/rice milk
products may be consumed by someone who is allowed
to eat kitniyos (e.g. one who is ill). It is recommended
that those who require these products ideally purchase
them before Pesach.
Soy Milk, Original Giant, Shop Rite, Meijer, Natures
Promise Organic, Shop Rite Organic, Stop & Shop, 365
Everyday Value (original, light,unsweetened), Winn-
Dixie Organic. (NPSR)
Soy Milk, Original Enriched Natures, Promise
Organic, Price Chopper, Soy Dream, Soysense, Wild
Harvest. (NPSR)
Rice Milk, Original Shop Rite, Meijer, Price
Chopper. (NPSR)
Rice Dream (Unsweetened only). (NPSR)
SPICES & SEASONINGS
Pure spices require reliable KFP certication.
SUGAR, GRANULATED
All pure cane or beet sugar with no dextrose added may
be used.
SUGAR, BROWN/OTHER
Brown sugar, confectioners sugar, and vanilla sugar
require KFP certication.
SUGAR, SUBSTITUTE
Gefen Sweet N Low KFP
Lieber's Sweetees KFP
Paskez Sweetie KFP
Sucralis aP
90 91 2013 Personal & Home Care Chometz Free Products Product Information
2013 PERSONAL CARE CHOMETZ FREE PRODUCTS
Te following products have been reviewed by the Star-K and have been determined
to be chometz- free. For updates see www.star-k.org or letter of certication.
AdinaB
443-803-9234
Blush Baked Blush, Mineral Hypoallergenic, Sheer Satin Hypoallergenic.
Eye Products Automatic Longlasting Eyeliner, Cake Eyeliner, LiquiLiner, Lush Mascara,
Luxe Crme Liner, Mascara - Waterproof, Shadow Magnet, Shadows (Dimensional,
Mineral, Polychromatic, Sheer Satin, Satin, Signature Quad), Super Gel Liner.
Foundation Baked Finishing Powder, Bronzers, Concealer, Dual Activ Powder
Foundation, Invisible Blotting Powder, Mineral Liquid Powder Foundation - SPF 15,
Mineral Sheer Tint - SFP 20.
Lip Products Lip Lock, Lip Toxyl X3, Liquid Lustre, Luxury Gloss, Luxury Lipstick,
Matte Lipstick, Mineral Core Lip Tint SPF15, Mineral Lip Mousse, Super Gloss.
Skin Care Hydrating Cleanser, Hydrating Crme Extreme, Papaya Enzyme Cleanser,
Papaya Enzyme Toner, Pep Toxyl Eye Treatment , Peptide Wrinkle Relaxing Crme,
Retexurizing Face Primer, Retexture Creme, Superwear Makeup Remover.
Misc Dual Action Makeup Remover, Makeup Wipes.
ES-GE COSMETICS
410-484-2254
Blush Blush, Cremestick Blush, Creamwear Blush, Cheek Stain, Liquid Blush,
Mineral Blush.
Eye Cosmetics Automatic Duo Shadow, Automatic Eyeliner, Browblender Pencil,
Brow Set, Cake Eyeliner, Crme Eye Shadow, Crme Liner, Custom Color Shadows,
Eye Highlighting Pencil , Eye Endurance, Eye Makeup Remover, Felt Tip Eyeliner,
Liquid Liner, Mascara (Indelible, Original, Sensitive, Lush, Superwear, Waterproof),
Powderliner Eyeliner , Shadow Magnet, Single Eyeshadows, Triple Split Eyeshadow.
Facial Care Exfoliating Enzyme Scrub, Eye Cream, Hydrating Creme Concentrate,
Mineral Mist, Moisturizer w/ SPF15, Papaya Cleanser, Papaya Toner.
Lip Products Duo Liquicolor/Liner, Lip Primer, Lip Stain, Lip Wheel, Lipchic, Lipchic
Lipgloss, Lipliners, Lipsticks (Crme , Classic Matte, Luxury Frosted, Velvet Matte,
Vitamin E), Lipglosses (except Luxury), Superwear Lipstick, Vitamin E Lipstick.
Makeup Blemish Treatment Concealer, Bronzers, Colour Tides, Concealers,
Creme to Powder Foundation, Dual Activ Powder Foundation, Duo Bronzer, Face
Primers, Foundation Stick, Invisible Blotting Powder, Liquid Foundation, Mattier,
Mosaic Powders, Pressed Face Powder, Radiance Powder, Translucent Face
Powder.
For a list of chometz-free products from these companies
go to www.star-k.org or contact the Star-K ofce.
AMWAY, MELALEUCA, SHAKLEE and SUNRIDER
2013 PERSONAL CARE CHOMETZ FREE PRODUCTS
Te following products have been reviewed by the Star-K and have been determined
to be chometz- free. For updates see www.star-k.org or letter of certication.
SHAINDEE COSMETICS
410-358-1855

Cleansers Camphor Soufe, Eye Makeup Remover, Extra Gentle Facial Cleanser,
Glycolic Cleanser, Lemon Cleanser, Mint Soufe, Milk Cleanser, Orange Cleansing
Soufe, Papaya Cleansing Gel, Primrose Complex, Shabbat Cleanser, Sea Algae
Cleanser, Silky Cleanser, Sweet Gel (Sensitive & Dry),Sweet Gel (Combination).
Eye Care Eye Cream, Eye & Neck Cream, Intensive Eye Therapy Creme, Jojoba
Eye Cream, Lifting Eye Gel Facial Treatment, Mineral Eye Shadow Sealant.
Masques AHA Fruit Masque, Aloe Vera Cell Soother Masque, Bio-Sulfur Masque,
Blemish Control Masque, Clay Mask, Creme Masque, Enzyme Soft Masque,
Glycolic Exfoliating Masque, Herbal Masque, Magic Black Masque,
Mediterranean Mud Masque, Mint Masque, Revitalizing Masque, Seaweed Mask,
Shir Gold Masque, Skin Recovery Mask, Sulfur Masque.
Moisturizers Aloe Vera Gel, Anti-Wrinkle Cream, Bio-Effective Cream, Bio-
Hydrating Cream, Body Butter, Hand + Body Lotion, Hand Cream (Silicon), Hydrating
Cream, Micro Complex, Mineral Sheer Tint SPF-20, Oil Free Day Protection SPF 15,
Oil Free Moisturizer, Ormagel Healing, PM Moisture Plus, Renewing Complex,
Revitalin Night Cream, Rosehips Complex, Shabbos Moisturizer, Skin Relief 1%
Hydrocortisone, Sun Protective Cream SPF 30, Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 15, Oil
Free, Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 25, Tinted Veil Vitamins A & E, Velvet Veil.
Makeup All Over Cream, Blushes, Bronzer, Cake Eyeliners, Collage Mineral
Powder, Concealers, Cream Eye Shadow, Cremewear Blush, Duo Concealer, Eye
Liners, Eye Shadows, Foundation (liquid, powder), Gel Eyeliner, Invisible Blotting
Powder, Lash Excellence, Lip Lacquer, Lipstick Carousel, Lipstick (Mineral Fantasy,
Pearl), Lipstick Sealer, Liquid Blush, Liquid Lustre, Liquid Lips, Liquid Powder Mineral
Foundation SPF 15, Liquid Eyeliner, Lipliner, Lumi-Shine, Mascara (Blinc, Brow Set,
Indeliblelash, Lash Excellence Mineral, Original,Superwear, Ultimate), Mineral
Eye Shadow, Mineral Foundation, Mineral Highlite Powder, Mineral Sheer Tint SPF
20, Oil Free Liquid Foundation, Pore Perfecting Face Primer, Shadow Magnet,
Superwear Lip Crme.
Peels Bamboo Scrub, Jojoba Facial Scrub, Peeling Astringent, Peeling Cream,
Pineapple Enzyme Scrub, Pumpkin Enzyme.
Specialty Products Aroma Blotchiness Facial Treatment, AR Cream, Bamboo
Scrub, Blemish Control Gel, Fading Gel with Kojic Acid, Fading SPF 15 Sensitive
Combination, Glycolic Treatment Gel GX-50 (15%), Lifting Elixir, Lifting Eye Gel
Facial Treatment, Mountain Glow Sea Salts, Pineapple Enzyme Scrub, Salicylic Acid
Acne Treatment, Silicone Hand Cream, Skin Relief Cream, Vita Plex-C, Vital Silk.
Toners & Moisture Sprays Aloe & Mint Toner, Rosewater Mineral Toner.
93 Guide to Purchasing Chometz After Pesach
Tere is a rabbinic injunction not to eat or benet from Co 1`'v avU \r
(henceforth abbreviated ovU \r), chometz that was in the possession of a Jew during
Pesach. Terefore, after Pesach consumers must ascertain that the chometz they purchase
was not in the possession of a Jew during Pesach. Chometz may be purchased from a store
that is owned by a gentile. According to Hilchos Pesach, a store is considered gentile owned
if the gentile owns more than half of the store. In a corporation, at least 51% of the voting
stock must be owned by gentiles, otherwise the chometz becomes ovU \r.
Chometz may be purchased from a Jewish owned store whose owner properly sold
the chometz before Pesach (e.g. Star-K certied Jewish owned facilities). A proper sale
means the chometz is sold to a gentile (through ones Rav) and put away in a designated
enclosed area throughout Pesach. A Rav should be consulted regarding stores that sell
their chometz before Pesach yet continue to purchase new chometz during Pesach, or allow
customers to purchase the chometz from their store during Pesach.
If there is a reasonable doubt as to whether a product was in the possession of a Jew
during Pesach, it may be purchased after Pesach. For example, one may purchase pizza
crusts with a reliable kosher certication from a gentile owned store, even though the
chometz may have been owned by a Jewish distributor during Pesach, who in turn sold the
pizza crusts to this store (u'1p' :a1 poC). Tis prohibition applies only when one
is certain that a Jew owned it during Pesach, or where there is a strong reason to suspect
ovU \r. One should check with his local Vaad HaKashrus to determine the status
of local Jewish distributors and their possible impact upon ovU \r.
It is important to note that products found in major supermarkets have a
two-week turnaround time. Tis means that if one nds 1r> \r more than
two weeks after Pesach in a Jewish owned store that did not sell its chometz, he may
assume the store acquired the product after Pesach and there is no problem of
ovU \r (unless there is a known problem with a Jewish distributor who does not
sell his chometz). Products found in smaller Mom & Pop shops may have remained
on the shelf for a longer period of time, and clarication of turnaround time for such a
particular store must be ascertained.
Te turnaround time for alcoholic beverages at liquor stores is longer than that of
products in supermarkets. Popular liquor stores generally maintain inventory for about
six weeks. A prudent person should wait until after Shavuos before buying liquor from
a store that has an issue with ovU \r. At that time, one can assume all inventory
arrived after Pesach.
If one accidentally purchases 1r> \r immediately after Pesach from a store that
sells ovU \r, he may not derive benet from that chometz. However, one may
return it for a refund since the sale is considered a D1v\ pr, a mistaken sale; returning
the product does not constitute deriving benet.
Te following chart oers guidelines for products that are ovU \r. Yes next to
a product indicates the product is subject to the halachos of ovU \r. Following Pesach,
one may purchase these products only from a Jewish owned store that properly sold its
chometz, or from a store owned by a gentile. No next to a product indicates the product is
not subject to the halachos of ovU \r. Tese products may be purchased at any store
after Pesach.
GUIDE TO PURCHASING CHOMETZ AFTER PESACH
92
PIMLICO RACE COURSE
Clubhouse Parking Lot
ENTRANCE ONLY FROM HAYWARD AVENUE
3 Blocks East of Park Heights Avenue
Monday, March 25, 2013
between 6:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Closed cans or bottles will not be accepted to avoid the hazard of
explosion. Please be considerate by burning chometz, not plastic.
Dumpsters will be provided for large amounts of chometz. Also, please
do not abuse this service by bringing excessive amounts of chometz
or trash.
RECYCLING is encouraged. Designated dumpsters are available on-site.
NO BULK TRASH (non-food related) will be permitted.
After chometz is burned, Kol Chamira is recited.
BALTIMORE CHOMETZ BURNING 2013
94 95 Guide to Purchasing Chometz After Pesach Post Pesach Information
STORES WHERE CHOMETZ MAY BE PURCHASED IMMEDIATELY
AFTER PESACH 2013
ALL STAR-K ESTABLISHMENTS
ALL STAR-D ESTABLISHMENTS
National Stores
BJs CVS
Costco Food Lion
K-Mart Mars
Petco Petsmart
Rite-Aid Royal Farms
Sams Discount Warehouse Shoppers Food Warehouse
Sav-A-Lot Trader Joes
Walmart Walgreens
Wegmans Winn-Dixie
Stores in Baltimore, MD
A-Z Savings (6307 Reisterstown Rd)
Dugans Liquor
Dunkin Donuts (1508 & 7000 Reisterstown Road)
Earth Origins Market
7-11 (Fords Ln, Hooks Ln, Old Court Rd, Reisterstown Rd north of Slade Ave)
Savings Center (4003 Seven Mile Ln)
Seven Mile Market
Village Liquors
Please note: GIANT, TARGET, and SAFEWAY, in the Baltimore area, buy their food items
from a Jewish distributor that does not sell its chometz. Terefore, chometz may not be
purchased from these stores until four weeks after Pesach. One may purchase chometz from
these stores beginning on the Wednesday after Lag Bomer, May 1st, 2013. We do not have any
information regarding these stores in other parts of the country.
PRODUCT

?
Barley (if pearled, raw and packaged) No
Beer Yes
Bread /Cake/Cookies Yes
Cereal with primary ingredient of wheat, oats or barley Yes
Chometz content is more than a kzayis. Yes
1
/60
of the cooked product (e.g. Corn Flakes cereal)
Yes
1
/60 of the uncooked product
No
Chometz content is less than
1
/60 of the product No
Chometz Nokshe (e.g. chometz glue) Yes
Condiments containing vinegar (ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, pickles) No
Cookies Yes
Cosmetics No
Detergents No
Extracts No
Flour (including whole wheat our) No
Food Coloring No
Ketchup No
Kitniyos No
Malt avoring (in product) Yes
Maltodextrin No
Maltose (in product) Yes
Mayonnaise No
Medicine containing chometz No
Modied food starch (from unknown source) No
Mustard No
Pasta Yes
Pickles No
Pretzels Yes
Processed on chometz equipment with no chometz content in product (if it was
not known to have been processed on Pesach)
No
Products non-edible even for canine consumption No
Rolled Oats Yes
Soy Sauce (containing wheat) Yes
Vanillin and Ethyl Vanillin No
Vinegar (from unknown sources) No
Vitamins containing chometz No
Wheat germ Yes
Wheat gluten or Wheat protein (unknown amount in product) Yes
Whiskey Yes
Yeast (Bakers) No
Yeast extract No
CHOMETZ AFTER PESACH CHART
96 97 2013 Medicines and Cosmetics Guide 2013 Medicines and Cosmetics Guide
FORMAT
Only items approved for Passover appear in the following list. No
chometz products are listed.
Products that may/do contain chometz are listed in two separate
sections at the end of the book as follows:
CHOMETZ SECTION I. - Medications, Vitamins, Supplements
that May/Do Contain Chometz Page 186.
CHOMETZ SECTION II. - Cosmetics, Makeup, Hair Care,
Lip Products, Perfumes, Soaps, Mouthwash, Toothpaste that
May/Do Contain Chometz Page 188
HOW TO USE THE GUIDE
Each product name is preceded with a code to identify the manufacturer.
We have indicated no animal or contains animal when that information has
been provided to us. When no mention of animal is made next to a product, the
product still may be non-kosher. We have indicated kitniyos or no kitniyos
when the information has been provided to us and it is relevant. When no
statement regarding kitniyos has been made, the product may or may not
contain kitniyos.
Tis listing is for Passover 5773 (2013) only, and cannot be relied upon
for forthcoming years since there are changes in product processing and
suppliers.
Te rst section contains a listing of all companies whose products are in
the guide. Te second section contains a list of products such as blush, creams,
deodorant, toothpaste, etc. Te third section is an alphabetical list of
medications, vitamins and dietary supplements. Tese lists are in alphabetical
order by product name. Note that manufacturer names are important, since
many medications have similar names but are not manufactured from the same
source material. A cough elixir produced by one company may be permitted
since it uses a synthetic alcohol, while the elixir from another company may be
forbidden since it uses a grain alcohol. Te list applies to medications and
cosmetics distributed by the indicated U.S. company. Products with identical
names from generic companies or foreign countries may have dierent
formulations, thus compromising their Passover status. Te last two sections
list chometz products (see box above).
One may use only containers of Passover approved medicines or
supplements whose contents have not come into contact with chometz. Most
cosmetics, creams, ointments, lotions, etc. may not be applied on Shabbos &
Yom Tov. Consult your Rav for specic details.
2013 MEDICINES AND COSMETICS GUIDE 2013 MEDICINES AND COSMETICS GUIDE
Prepared by Rabbi Gershon Bess
DISCLAIMER AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION
We have made every eort to obtain and provide accurate information. We
cannot, however, accept responsibility for incorrect information provided
to us.
Please note the following important information regarding the guide:
1. Any patient requiring a medicine listed here which contains
chometz, with no substitute available, should discuss the matter with a
competent Rav to determine whether it may be used as there may be
other Halachic considerations.
2. Important: No one should refrain from taking any required
medication, even if it contains chometz, without rst consulting his/her
physician and Rav.
Note: All medications for a heart condition, diabetes, abnormal
blood pressure, stroke, kidney disease, lung disease, depression,
epilepsy, the immune system (transplant anti-rejection), and cancer
treatment (including precautionary) may be taken on Pesach.
Furthermore, all prescription medication taken on a regular basis
for chronic conditions should only be changed with the consultation of
your physician (if you can not reach your physician you should continue
to take your regular prescription and not change).
Some examples of such chronic conditions include the following:
Any psychiatric condition, prostate condition, Crohns Disease, colitis,
high cholesterol, Parkinsons Disease, anemia, Multiple Sclerosis,
thyroid condition, and asthma.
3. Except where indicated, the list does not address the kosher
status of the product, only the chometz-free status. Tis means that if
a product appears on the list, it does not necessarily indicate that the
product is kosher; it may be non-kosher and chometz-free.
4. For a full discussion regarding the halachos of medication and cosmetics
on Pesach, as well as the importance of this list and how the list is prepared see
page 63.
For a full discussion regarding the laws of taking non-kosher medication
during the year, see Kashrus Kurrents article A Kashrus Guide to Medications,
Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements. Tis is available by calling the Star-K
o ce at 410-484-4110 or visiting www.star-k.org.
5. Te reason a medicine does not appear on the list is because either we
did not contact the company or the company did not respond.

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